KNOW YOUR TEAM: JOBURG SUPER KINGS

The Joburg Super Kings were a formidable force in Betway SA20 Season 1. The Super Kings struggled initially while the first half of the tournament was played alongside the coast, but once it moved up to the Highveld for the second period, the Super Kings came into their own.

Captain Faf du Plessis took centre stage from thereon at the Wanderers, entering the record books as the first batter to strike an SA20 century. There was almost a repeat performance in the very next match, but unfortunately Du Plessis fell eight runs short this time.

Du Plessis’ leadership experience also helped youngsters such as Leus du Plooy, Donovan Ferreira and Gerald Coetzee showcase their ìmmense potential and talent. Unfortunately for the Super Kings, their challenge was halted by eventual champions Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the second semi-final at Centurion.

Coach Stephen Fleming and captain Du Plessis have therefore stuck to the Chennai Super Kings’ model of gaining success by recruiting major international experience for Betway SA20 Season 2 with England’s Moeen Ali and Namibian international Dawid Wiese and the ever-green Imran Tahir signed up.

Du Plessis’s fondness for all-rounders also came to the fore again with the re-signing of West Indies' Romario Shepherd and Dayyaan Galiem. The Super Kings have an opportunity to avenge their semi-final right from the outset in the tournament opener against the Sunrisers at St George’s Park, and will look to build momentum from thereon.

COACHING STAFF

Stephen Fleming (NZ - head coach), Eric Simons (assistant coach), Albie Morkel (assistant coach), Greg King (strength and conditioning coach), Prasanna Agoram (high performance analyst)

SEASON 2 SQUAD

Moeen Ali (ENG), Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Sam Cook (ENG), Faf du Plessis (captain), Leus du Plooy (ENG), Donovan Ferreira, Dayyaan Galiem, Reeza Hendricks, Ronan Herrmann, Zahir Khan (AFG), Wayne Madsen (ITA), Sibonelo Makhanya, Aaron Phangiso, Romario Shepherd (WI), Kyle Simmonds, Imran Tahir, David Wiese (NAM), Lizaad Williams

New signings: Moeen Ali (ENG - pre-signing), David Wiese (NAM - pre-signing), Zahir Khan (AFG - pre-signing), Sam Cook (ENG - pre-signing), Wayne Madsen (ITA – auction), Dayyaan Galiem (auction), Ronan Herrmann (rookie), Imran Tahir (Wildcard)

Outs: Maheesh Theekshana (SL), Janneman Malan, Kyle Verreynne, George Garton (ENG), Alzarri Joseph (WI), Lewis Gregory (ENG), Malusi Siboto, Neil Brand, Matthew Wade (AUS)