Opening batsman Dean Elgar is confident the Tshwane Spartans are ‘peaking at the right moment’, ahead of a defining week in the Mzansi Super League.

The Spartans currently occupy fifth position in the inaugural competition after four wins in eight attempts.

They were all but ruled out of contention for a berth in the next round of the competition, but recent victories over the Paarl Rocks and Nelson Mandela Bay Giants have kept them in the running.

They will face the Jozi Stars at the Wanderers in Johannesburg on Tuesday and Durban Heat at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Wednesday.

‘We are aware of our position, know we have to put our best foot forward and obviously play extremely positive cricket. We proved in the last week when we got two wins that we are very capable of playing good cricket,’ said Elgar.

‘The wins over the Rocks and Giants showed a lot and that makes us very dangerous. A lot of our players haven’t come off and that’s a positive for us, knowing that we’ve got some serious performances left in the bag.

‘Being a derby adds extra spice to the occasion. There’s normally a good rivalry anyway, playing Jukskei derby, but as a player you also just want to treat it as another game, we know we are up against it.’

The Spartans remain without fast bowler Lungi Ngidi and batsman Theunis de Bruyn, who have been sidelined by injury.

‘The guys are in a good space. Extra practice after playing quite a few games on the bounce won’t make much difference and I’m sure the guys are going to be ready,’ concluded Elgar.

Photo: Gallo