Nelson Mandela Bay Giants head coach Eric Simons won’t underestimate the Jozi Stars ahead of Saturday’s Mzansi Super League fixture at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.

The Stars are the reigning champions, after beating the Cape Town Blitz in last year’s inaugural final, but have lost three successive matches this season.

Also see: Jozi Stars ‘say the right things’

‘Until the dust really settles on a campaign you never really can write anyone off. The reality of T20 cricket is that a team that has their backs to the wall is a very dangerous team,’ said Simons.

‘We know that all the teams are very evenly balanced in terms of ability. It’s certainly not a reflection of their ability to have lost three in a row.’

The Giants beat the Stars at St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth earlier this month, when two key wickets from fast bowler Junior Dala and quick-fire cameos from batsman Heino Kuhn and Farhaan Behardien were key.

‘It sometimes goes that way and we will show them the respect they deserve, as it is with any opposition,’ added Simons.

The Paarl Rocks and Durban Heat, meanwhile, shared a washout at Kingsmead on Friday. The Heat will host the Blitz at the same venue on Sunday.

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