Jozi meets its stars for the Mzansi Super League

Meet the team that is representing Joburg at the Mzansi Super League.

The inaugural T20 cricket tournament involves six franchises representing various cities, and runs from 16 November until 16 December.

The Jozi Stars met the media at a press conference on the eve of the tournament, at Bidvest Wanderers Stadium.

After Gauteng Cricket Board chairperson, Greg Fredericks welcomed the media, team captain Dane Vilas and coach Enoch Nkwe, along with other players discussed the culture of the team and what the tournament has in store.

The Jozi Stars squad includes Kagiso Rabada as its marquee player and West Indian, Chris Gayle, as its international marquee player.

Australian T20 stalwart, Dan Christian is also in the side, as well as Protea and former Protea players Reeza Hendricks, Dwaine Pretorius, Duanne Olivier and Simon Harmer.

“We [the players] know each other well. We have all played with and against each other,” Vilas said.

“We are already pretty gelled as a team. Since the first day we got together we mixed well and there was friendship.”

Nkwe agreed that after practices and a warmup match, the team already looks on track to do well in the tournament.

Vilas said the Wanderers, aka The Bullring, is one of the best cricket grounds in the world and its family environment and atmosphere is electric.

As it serves as a home base for the Jozi Stars, its atmosphere and the nature of the tournament would draw more than just the avid cricket fan, said players Rassie van der Dussen and Eddie Leie.

Excellent food and drinks at the Wanderers, and performances by DJ Milkshake would make all home games exciting to attend.

Gayle was not at the press conference but would arrive before the team’s first game on 17 November, which will be at the Wanderers against Nelson Mandela Bay Giants.

Rabada, Hendricks and Pretorius, who are in the Proteas squad playing in Australia, will miss the first two games of this tournament.