The KZN Coastal squad will remain unchanged when they tackle the North West Dragons in the next round of the CSA 3-Day Cup and 1-Day Cup respectively starting on Thursday at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom.

The semi-professional side, who are the current holders of the CSA 3-Day Cup, drew their opening match of the campaign last week against Border with weather stifling their efforts, while they won the 50 over contest against the same opposition on Sunday.

‘We have selected the same 12 players for this encounter in Potch because we are of the opinion that the team were unlucky not to get the result they deserved against Border last week in the three-day game,’ commented assistant coach Thokozani Zulu.

‘The weather did spoil any chance of a result, but this week sees some players going in with confidence because they put in some good performances.’

The Coastal boys displayed some good fighting spirit in both games against Border last week and are hoping to keep the momentum going into their clash with North West.

‘The fielding was spectacular from the boys, getting five run outs in the two games. We are a competitive unit and will look to equal that display if not improve on it.

‘The bowling attack will need to be up for the fight this week and show a little more patience.’

There were a number of solid contributions with the bat in both the red ball and white ball encounters against Border, however, Zulu believes the side can improve on those.

‘The batting unit were not quite at their best with two good contributions from Blyde Capell (98) and Brad Porteous (60).

‘The team will be hoping for these two to do well again, but we want the other batters to contribute in a big way.’

KZN Coastal squad
Khalipha Cele (captain)
Brad Porteous
Ziphozokuthula Zondo
Smangaliso Nhlebela
Michael Erlank
Tyron Koen
Zakariya Paruk
Blayde Capell
Daryn Dupavillon
Keith Dudgeon
Thula Ngcobo
Marques Ackerman

Photo: Anesh Debiky/Gallo Images