Coach Enoch Nkwe is wary of batsman Marco Marais ahead of Wednesday’s CSA T20 Challenge fixture between the Lions and Warriors at the Wanderers in Johannesburg.

Marais has enjoyed a solid stretch of form lately, including 75 against the Cape Cobras at St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth, and 82 not out versus the Lions at Buffalo Park in East London.

‘We haven’t been clinical enough in the competition, and it’s an area we have to capitalise on. Not to take anything away from the opponents we have faced, but we do need to be more ruthless,’ said Nkwe.

‘What we need to do now is focus on the next game, which is the Warriors. They’ve consistently proved what a good outfit they are. They’re third on the log heading to this match.

‘It’s unfortunate that our first game was also rained out against them and they’ve showed that they’ve got a bit of depth, as you would have seen when someone like Marais played some good innings. Hopefully we can do that, because we want to finish top on the table.’

The Lions currently occupy second position in the 2019 tournament’s six-team standings, but have weathered three washouts.

‘It wasn’t an ideal Easter weekend for us, having to travel a lot but without any actual games to play. It rained in Kimberley and then again it rained in Potchefstroom, so it was frustrating,’ added Nkwe.

‘But in saying that, the guys are all in a good space. Game by game the guys have grown in confidence and we’re well placed heading into the final three rounds.’

Photo: Gallo Images