Captain Heinrich Klaasen is looking forward to leading a Tshwane Spartans XI laden with international experience during Monday’s Mzansi Super League final against the Paarl Rocks at Boland Park.

Klaasen succeeded former captain AB de Villiers before the 2019 tournament started. De Villiers is still in the XI – and is accompanied by opener Dean Elgar, all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, fast bowler Morne Morkel and other past and present Proteas cricketers.

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‘It’s a huge privilege to lead such an experienced group of players on this stage. We’re all really excited and are looking forward to it. It will be a sell-out crowd and that’s what you want to see,’ said Klaasen.

The Spartans finished in third position in the 2019 competition’s six-team standings, but graduated to the final after beating the second-placed Nelson Mandela Bay Giants in the qualifier earlier this week.

‘How finals are ultimately decided – the team that stays the calmest and plays the big moments well will come out on top,’ added Klaasen.

The Spartans will play a Rocks outfit struggling with injury. Batsmen Aiden Markram and JP Duminy have been sidelined, while all-rounder Dwaine Pretorius is nursing a wrist injury. Rocks recruit James Vince, meanwhile, has left to play in Australia’s Big Bash League.

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