The 2021-22 season has been a coming-of-age campaign for Mandla Mashimbyi and the Northerns Titans.

Two seasons into his stint as head coach, Mashimbyi has led the Titans to three finals.

But it is in 2022 that his side has made a mark on domestic cricket.

The Titans have finished top of the log at the end of the league stage in three tournaments this year, played in two finals and won one trophy.

“I’m very proud of Mandla and the team he’s assembled, they have been exceptional this season,” said Titans CEO Jacques Faul. “They have progressed from season to season and finishing top of the table in each tournament is testament to their continuous growth and improvement.”

The Titans finished on top of the Domestic 4-Day Series table to earn their first trophy in over two seasons. They also topped the T20 Challenge and One-Day Cup logs, securing places in the final of both competitions.

Unfortunately for the Titans, having won seven out of eight games in the buildup to the T20 Challenge final, they suffered a 15-run defeat by the Boland Rocks in the match that mattered.

However, their excellent form continued in the One-Day Cup where they achieved five victories, including a 200-run win over the North West Dragons in which they posted a record-breaking 453.

That secured the Titans a home final against the Central Gauteng Lions on Wednesday (1pm).

“It’s wonderful that we are in a final again, it’s a huge effort and I’m proud of the coaching staff,” said Faul. “They have put together a champion side and get the best out of the players.”