The players retained for the 2019 Mzansi Super League have been announced. Each of the six franchises have understandably overlooked at least one underperforming player.

Rocks’ Moreki

• The Paarl Rocks’ decision not to retain Tshepo Moreki is understandable. He managed just five wickets in seven matches in the 2018 tournament and was the most costly specialist bowler with an economy rate of over 10.

Giants’ Matthews

• With fellow leg-spinner Imran Tahir, Dyllan Matthews played just one match and bowled just one expensive over – to the destructive Cameron Delport. Matthews’ Nelson Mandela Bay Giants retention would have been hard to justify, especially as Jon-Jon Smuts is deployed less sparingly.

Stars’ Mothoa

• Alfred Mothoa was part of the Jozi Stars’ title-winning squad last year, but didn’t play a match. The lanky Titans fast bowler has been overlooked this time, while the reigning champions have kept fellow fast bowler Duanne Olivier and five other players.

Spartans’ Mendis

• The Cape Town Blitz and Stars kept space for Pakistani Asif Ali and Australian Dan Christian, respectively, but Sri Lankan Jeevan Mendis evidently won’t be back for the Tshwane Spartans. The Spartans will likely invest in local all-round talent or search shores other than Sri Lanka.

Heat’s Mavuta

• The Zimbabwe leg-spinner relished a stint with the Durban Heat last year, but hasn’t been included this time. Mavuta failed to perform in three matches for the Heat and, unfortunately, is part of the collateral damage of Zimbabwe’s ongoing fallout with the International Cricket Council.

Blitz’s Makhanya

• The Blitz largely took a core of players all the way to the final last season. Sibonelo Makhanya was part of the squad, but an outlier in the preferred XI. He didn’t capitalise on the two appearances he was afforded either. He’s out entirely this time.

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