Coach Eric Simons is eager to see the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants squad galvanise – and then succeed – during a challenging Mzansi Super League campaign.

The Giants boast the services of England batsman Ben Duckett and Jason Roy and a slew of local talent, including Ryan McLaren, Heino Kuhn and Chris Morris.

‘We had a very good draft, I’m very happy with the squad that we put together.   Finally, we have got together as a team and are getting to know each other.  The first objective is to turn sixteen individuals into a team with a common objective,’ said Simons.

Their slow bowlers – left-armer Aaron Phangiso, captain Jon-Jon Smuts and wrist-spinner Dyllan Matthews – will be key in characteristically slow conditions at St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth.

‘We want to exploit the conditions. It makes life a little easier,’ added Smuts.

The fast-bowling important, too, will be important – and led by the talented Junior Dala and Morris.

‘We have a good balance of good youngsters and international players, where the team won’t rely only on experienced players to perform,’ concluded Dala.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Giants will meet the Jozi Stars at the Wanderers on Saturday and Cape Town Blitz at Newlands on Wednesday. Their first match at St George’s Park will be against the Durban Heat on 23 November.

Image: Gallo