Kevin Pietersen, Andre Russell and Kieron Pollard have all signed up for at least a portion of this season’s RamSlam T20 Challenge, but as yet, the bizhub Highveld Lions remain without a big name overseas professional and instead are prepared to put their faith in a young team.
Lions’ CEO Greg Fredericks said yesterday the franchise is still in negotiations with some overseas players – understood to include Sri Lankan ace Lasith Malinga and West Indies opener Lendl Simmons – but as yet no agreements have been reached.
“Even at this late stage we’re talking to potential players, and we may make a decision in the next day or two. However, we want a big name, someone that will attract people, not just anyone or else it’s simply not worth our while,” said Fredericks.
There is also the financial imperative to consider and with the Champions League T20 now defunct, there is little attraction for an overseas player to a T20 competition in which the salaries are not as high as would be the case in the IPL, Australia’s Big Bash or even the Caribbean T20 league.
“The Champions League is no more, that has made it difficult, also Cricket SA haven’t confirmed the prize-money for the RamSlam, so it makes it hard to attract players,” Fredericks added.
For now the Lions, who have won the T20 competition twice, are placing their faith in a host of young upstarts, and a couple of veterans in the shape of Alviro Petersen and skipper Thami Tsolekile. “We basically have to try and build for the future,” said Lions coach, Geoffrey Toyana, pictured. “It’s a great opportunity for these young pups.”
Among those “pups” are André Malan (24), who Toyana said impressed him when he trained with the Lions in pre-season; left-arm spinner Bjorn Fortuin (21); all-rounder Shaylen Pillay (21); seam bowler Matt McGillivray (25) and top order batsman Devon Conway (24).
The RamSlam starts Sunday, with a double header in Cape Town and a mouth-watering clash at Centurion featuring Pietersen, Dave Miller and Kyle Abbott of the Dolphins up against a Titans side that is likely to include Quinton de Kock, Farhaan Behardien and Chris Morris.
The Lions will play in the second match of the double-header at Newlands against the defending champions the Cape Cobras.
One area which the Lions coach is most looking forward to is the side’s fielding.
“They are all good in the field, and there aren’t a lot of weak areas anywhere, these guys will be a good fielding outfit. It’s a risk, but it’s a great opportunity for these guys. I’m very excited about how they will play,” said Toyana.
Lions squad
Rassie van der Dussen, Alviro Petersen, André Malan, Dwaine Pretorius, Shaylen Pillay, Devon Conway, Thami Tsolekile (capt), Aaron Phangiso, Eddie Leie, Hardus Viljoen, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, Bjorn Fortuin, Matt McGillivray - The Star