Coach Eric Simons wants the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants to put a lengthy tournament buildup behind them, when the Mzansi Super League gets under way this weekend.

The Giants will face the Jozi Stars at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on Saturday. Key clashes against the Cape Town Blitz at Newlands and Durban Heat in Port Elizabeth will follow on Wednesday and Friday, respectively.

‘After being involved in the preparations for a while now, you eventually do want the games to begin. We’re all really excited and hopefully we can go well in that first game,’ said Simons.

The visitors will boast the services of West Indian star Chris Gayle and Australian all-rounder Dan Christian, while the hosts will be without all-rounder Chris Morris and leg-spinner Imran Tahir.

Morris and Tahir are currently on tour with the Proteas in Australia.

‘It’s always good to make a winning start, but we’ve seen teams come from behind, so one loss won’t put us out of the competition. As long as we can see positives, you’re learning and moving forward. A positive start is what we want to see,’ added Simons.

The Giants will be captained by Warriors all-rounder Jon-Jon Smuts, who has played eight T20Is for the Proteas.