Nelson Mandela Bay Giants duo Marco Marais and Onke Nyaku have been named in Eastern Province’s squad for this month’s Provincial T20 Cup.

Marais was retained by the Giants prior to last week’s player draft for the 2019 Mzansi Super League, while Nyaku was purchased for R250,000 in round seven.

The hard-hitting Marais starrted for Border in last year’s tournament, which was called the Africa T20 Cup at the time. Border lost to Gauteng in the final.

He played for the Giants last year as well and relished clashes with former Proteas batsman AB de Villiers at the Tshwane Spartans and fast bowler Dale Steyn at the Cape Town Blitz.

‘It is amazing to be playing against players like AB and Dale. It is amazing for the younger players‚ especially the guys who have not played a lot of franchise cricket‚ to get exposure to this level,’ he said.

‘I had to face Dale, which wasn’t fun. I was thrown into the deep end because the coaches wanted to see if I can swim and fight for myself.’

Franchise trio Jade de Klerk, Thomas Kaber and Basheer Walters have also been named in Eastern Province’s squad.

Squad: Matthew Christensen, Jade de Klerk, Thomas Kaber, Sithembile Langa, Marco Marais, Mtabozuko Nqam, Onke Nyaku, Nelson Setimane, Kenan Smith, Kelly Smuts, Josh van Heerden, Tiaan van Vuuren, Basheer Walters.

Photo: Gallo Images