Captain Dane Vilas is confident the Jozi Stars will cope without West Indian batsman Chris Gayle, come Tuesday’s Mzansi Super League clash against the Paarl Rocks at Boland Park.

Gayle has left the franchise for a stint in the T10 League in the United Arab Emirates. He will return to the Mzansi Super League later this year. The big-hitting left-hander struck 23 in defeat to the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants last week.

‘The camp is still in very good shape. We just had one poor day out and everybody is still positive. We bowled really well. The guys are pumped,’ said Vilas.

The Stars’ opening loss was effectively the result of a poor performance with the bat. Vilas, Gayle and Rassie van der Dussen were the only players to reach double figures in a poor total of 124 for seven. The Giants later reached a modest 125-run target with two overs to spare.

‘We let ourselves down with some of our decision-making and obviously we didn’t put enough runs on the board, but I have full confidence in our batting line-up. We are good to go and excited to make things happen,’ added Vilas.

Despite Gayle’s absence, Vilas’ team still sport the services of Australian all-rounder Dan Christian.

Image: Gallo