Get ready for the action with the CGL team playing some competitive matches in Potchefstroom this month
ILLOVO – The CGL team is on their first competitive tour in Potchefstroom
The Central Gauteng Lions has just entered their own bio bubble for their three-day and one-day cricket matches taking place in Potchefstroom.
The team was excited to start playing competitive cricket once again and deputy coach Sandile Masengemi said they were buzzing and ready.
“We are ready and we have done a lot of warm-up games to ensure that we don’t lose our fire. Of course, a warm-up game is very different from competitive cricket but we’re definitely ready for the bubble, moreover ready to play,” he added.
He said this season would, of course, be different to the other seasons in terms of how and when the games would be played.
“We will play a three-day game and have a break and then play three one-day games in a row. As a coach, it is important to be able to manage the workload of the guys so we have to be smart about that.”
He added that all bases have been covered to ensure the team’s comfort.
“We have been preparing and training to go into the bubble. Taking all factors into consideration, we also have to make sure the guys are fresh for the games. Our CEO and managers also helped in this regard so I’m grateful for that.”
With a close-knit team, Masengemi mentioned that they were both teammates and friends.
Team captain, Shaylen Pillay has been patiently waiting to go out onto the pitch.
“I’m excited and happy to be playing competitive cricket again. I have been training for so long, I want to see all the hard work in action. As a team as well, it will be interesting to see how well we do on the pitch. It will also be our last tour together because as soon as we get back it’s straight into the restructuring process,” said Pillay.
Thrilled to see the outcome, Pillay said there would be a lot of opportunities to look forward to.
“I’m optimistic about the restructure and I am hoping that it is going to work. Positive about the future and see what all the players are capable of.”
The team will be in the bubble for 18 days with other cricketers from Mpumalanga, North West and the Eastern Cape.
Returning on 29 March, Masengemi mentioned that he was also excited to return during the restructure process and find out the way forward.
