Naeemah Benjamin and Ongama Gcwabe have chosen their favourites to win the 2019/20 4-Day Franchise Series.
NAEEMAH BENJAMIN
The Cape Cobras are going to win the 4-day competition this year.
They ended third on the log in the 2017/18 season, second in the 2018/19 season. First this year in the 2019/20 season? I believe so.
Under the guidance of Ashwell Prince, who has an amazing ability to nurture the young talent, and the leadership of Dane Piedt, who has sheer belief in his team, the Cobras went from down and out seasons ago to being considered contenders once again.
The unity in the squad right up to the coaching staff is remarkable. You can have talented youngsters but you need a good environment and management structure to bring out the best in them.
They showed flashes of what they are capable of in the last two seasons and it’s now time for this team to mature and show their true capabilities.
With the consistency and experience of Pieter Malan, the captain leading from the front, and the new signing of Nandre Burger, there’s no reason to doubt the team from the Cape.
ONGAMA GCWABE
The Titans are going to be the winners of the 4-Day competition this season.
Mark Boucher’s experience as an international cricketer and as a coach gives him an edge compared to his opponents.
With 442 international games across all formats, he has the ability to be able to lead any franchise team to success.
The addition of Marcello Piedt gives the Titans the depth in bowling, which was primarily the reason they didn’t have the best season in 2018/19.
Also, the Titans are a very organised franchise team under the leadership of the reliable Jacques Faul.
You can have the players and the sponsors, but without a great management team, there are more chances that you’re going to come up short.
Having great players without having stable and clear managerial systems in place in which the players can thrive, is a waste of time and resources. From that perspective, no other Franchise is as stable as the Titans.
