Share

Adams wants more from Cobras' seniors

Cape Town - Cape Cobras coach Paul Adams has sounded out his senior players to step up and offer support to his impressive youngsters ahead of their Sunfoil Series round three clash against the Warriors starting at Newlands in Cape Town on Thursday.

Stiaan van Zyl’s 91-run aggregate from four innings is the highest contribution from a senior player, whereas young all-rounder Jason Smith has already scored over 200 runs so far.

Other rookies like Zubayr Hamza and Matthew Kleinveldt have also shown promise - both have scored more than 100 runs in total - in what has been a bleak start to the season for one of South Africa’s traditionally stronger franchises.

“It’s been a tough start, but what we’re looking to do is to draw on is the performances of the young players,” Adams, whose side has lost both matches thus far, says: “The way they’ve played has been inspiring."

“Someone like young Jason Smith, he’s showed so much calmness under pressure.

“We now need some of the senior guys to step up and support the younger players. Hopefully that will happen from here forward.”

The match is the first of three consecutive home matches for the Cobras.

Adams is hoping to make that count, but is wary of the challenge posed by their Cape rivals.

“We have three home games coming up now and it’s vitally important that we turn things around,” he adds. “But we do need to be watchful too.

“We need to look to improve on the basics and not allow them to get their tails up because they are a team that rides on confidence.”

Andrew Puttick is available again after missing last week because of family reasons.

The Warriors, who have added Jerry Nqolo to their squad, won their first game of the season last week by beating the champions Titans in Port Elizabeth.

“We’re obviously happier after last week’s result and that was just a culmination of all the work we had done in the off-season,” coach Malibongwe Maketa said.

Despite the Cobras’ current struggles, Maketa also insisted that they will be difficult to beat.

“They’re a good team and it’s always been tough against them, so it will not be easy at all, particularly at home,” he added.

Cobras squad:

Omphile Ramela (Capt), Matthew Kleinveldt , Andrew Puttick, George Linde, Dane Paterson, Zubayr Hamza, Jason Smith, Stiaan van Zyl, Dane Vilas, Dane Piedt, Tshepo Moreki, Aviwe Mgijima, Beuran Hendricks

Warriors squad:

TBA

HEAD TO HEAD - Cape Cobras v Warriors

Matches Played - 24
Cobras Win - 13
Warriors Win - 05
Draw - 06

             
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1472 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2250 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE