The Cape Cobras have undoubtedly been the form franchise in limited-overs domestic cricket in South Africa. Not only have they lifted the One Day Cup trophy three times (twice shared) in four years, but they have contested each final.
On Sunday, the Cobras will play in their fifth consecutive domestic final and look to reclaim a piece of silverware that has almost become part of the furniture at Newlands.
It was particularly painful for coach Paul Adams and his men last season when the Titans came into their “house” and stole the trophy from under their noses.
It is a defeat that still rankles with some of the Cobras players due to the strong North-South rivalry that is not confined to the rugby field.
Adams, though, does not want to his team to entertain any thoughts of revenge, especially as it won’t be the Titans who will be facing up to the Cobras at Newlands on Sunday.
“I don’t think the boys will be focusing too much on last season. We’re not even playing the Titans. I think the motivation will be more about producing a high level of cricket in a pressure game,” he said.
“We’ve gone through plenty of changes and some tough times in other competitions this season, but through all of that we’ve maintained a high level of performance in one-day cricket.
The Cape Cobras squad for the Momentum 1 Day Cup Final : Cape Cobras vs the Bizhub Highveld Lions on Sunday 28th... https://t.co/GlSdbovdX5
— COBRAS CRICKET (@CobrasCricket) February 25, 2016
“For me, that’s more the focus. We need to keep calm and concentrate solely on our game plans. If we start focusing on the opposition or the occasion, that is when we drift away from what has been successful for us in the past. We’re really looking forward to performing well in front of what will hopefully be a strong crowd on Sunday.”
Adams is certainly passionate about his team playing well for “the people of Cape Town”, and he is preparing his side accordingly. The squad has enjoyed a break from all cricket activity since the last round-robin game against the Knights in Bloemfontein eight days ago.
The players only returned yesterday to skills training looking particularly re-energised and focused. There was plenty of laughter and chatter, but the intensity remained at a high standard even as the mercury levels rose steadily.
“We are thoroughly aware of a ‘burn out’ situation, especially if you’re not involved in a playoff game and there’s a bit of wait before playing the final. We want the boys to be fresh come Sunday,” Adams said.
“We’ve sat down with a physio and medical team and worked out the best possible plan for the players to peak at the right time. We are going to gradually increase the intensity as the week moves along, focusing not only on physical preparation but also mental preparation.”
Adams and Omar Henry, the Cobras’ selection convenor, were involved in long meetings yesterday and there’s no doubt the discussions became animated at times, with the selection panel having an abundance of talented players to choose from for the weekend’s showpiece.
But the former Proteas spinners are keeping their cards close to their chests, though.
“We had some interesting chats which you obviously want to know more about,” chirped Adams. “There are factors to take into consideration and there are certainly players that are pushing hard for inclusion.
“Unfortunately, only 11 can ultimately take the field and there’s no doubt going to be some disappointed individuals because this has been an entire squad effort that has got us to this point. We will name our squad after training (today) after I sit down with the entire squad.” - Cape Times