How the Mzansi Super League squads stack up
Local clearly remains 'lekker' as the franchises stay wary of relying on too many foreigners.
Kagiso Rabada is Jozi Stars’ Proteas marquee player. Photo: Gallo Images.
The Mzansi Super League (MSL) concluded its player draft on Wednesday.
Despite the availability of various international players, the franchises were generally cautious in picking too many foreigners.
Instead, local seems to remain lekker.
Here’s how the squads stack up.
Durban Heat
Squad: Hashim Amla (Protea marquee) Rashid Khan (International marquee, Afghanistan), David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Kyle Abbott (Kolpak), Keshav Maharaj, Khaya Zondo, Albie Morkel, Marchant de Lange (Kolpak), Vernon Philander, Brandon Mavuta (Zimbabwe), Temba Bavuma, Morne van Wyk, Okuhle Cele, Sarel Erwee, Tladi Bokako.
Strength: The Durbanites could potentially field a fearsome, varied bowling attack. Morne van Wyk and Albie Morkel bring immense experience.
Weakness: Until the Proteas return from Australia, the batting looks thin.
Jozi Stars
Squad: Kagiso Rabada (Protea marquee) Chris Gayle (International marquee, West Indies), Dane Vilas (Kolpak), Rassie van der Dussen, Dan Christian (Australia), Beuran Hendricks, Reeza Hendricks, Dwaine Pretorius, Eddie Leie, Pite van Biljon, Duanne Olivier, Ryan Rickelton, Sine Qeshile, Simon Harmer (Kolpak), Calvin Savage, Alfred Mothoa.
Strength: This team will be able to bowl out sides cheaply (and possibly even consistently). Dan Christian could be an inspired buy.
Weakness: Where on earth are the batsmen?
Paarl Rocks
Squad: Faf du Plessis (Protea marquee) Dwayne Bravo (International marquee), Tabraiz Shamsi, Dane Paterson, Aiden Markram, Mangaliso Mosehle, Bjorn Fortuin, Vaughn van Jaarsveld, Grant Thomson, Paul Stirling (Ireland), Tshepo Moreki, Henry Davids, Cameron Delport (Kolpak), Eathan Bosch, Patrick Kruger, Kerwin Mungroo.
Strength: They’ve bought some insurance against international absences with some experienced, versatile batsmen.
Weakness: Dane Paterson is going to carry a heavy workload as the heart of the attack.
Cape Town Blitz
Squad: Quinton de Kock (Protea marquee), Dawid Malan (International marquee), Andile Phehlukwayo, Dale Steyn, Samuel Badree, Asif Ali (Pakistan), Farhaan Behardien, Anrich Nortje, Janneman Malan, Malusi Siboto, George Linde, Ferisco Adams, Jason Smith, Sibonelo Makhanya, Kyle Vereynne, Dane Piedt.
Strength: A well-balanced squad … when everyone is available.
Weakness: There’s an over-reliance on Proteas. It might cost them a bad start initially.
Tshwane Spartans
Squad: AB de Villiers (Protea marquee), Eoin Morgan (International marquee), Lungi Ngidi, Robbie Frylinck, Jeewan Mendis (Sri Lanka), Theunis de Bruyn, Rory Kleinveldt (Kolpak), Sean Williams (Zimbabwe), Gihahn Cloete, Lutho Sipamla, Tony de Zorzi, Dean Elgar, Andrew Birch, Sikandar Raza (Zimbabwe), Shaun von Berg, Eldred Hawken.
Strength: AB de Villiers … and two very smart Zimbabwe picks. Nice balance between youth and experience.
Weakness: Keeping AB fever in check.
Nelson Mandela Bay Giants
Squad: Imran Tahir (Protea marquee), Jason Roy (International marquee), Chris Morris, Jon-Jon Smuts, Junior Dala, Chris Jonker, Aaron Phangiso, Ben Duckett (England), Sisanda Magala, Ryan McLaren, Heino Kuhn (Kolpak), Marco Marais, Dyllan Matthews, Lizaad Williams, Rudi Second, Carmi le Roux.
Strength: Power-packed batting line-up full of hitters.
Weakeness: Lacking in bowling star power.
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