The Hollywoodbets Dolphins are geared up and ready for an exciting One Day Cup starting on Sunday when they host the Dafabet Warriors at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium.
In recent seasons the Dolphins have battled in the 50 over competition despite sharing the trophy with the DP World Lions in the 2020/21 season. Heading into the competition, Dolphins head coach Quinton Friend understands the importance of a strong performance in this white ball format.
“It’s a massive tournament for us and we understand that,” Friend said. “Our focus will be game by game and that means the sole focus for us now is the Warriors on Sunday. A good tournament can turn our whole season around and gathering some momentum from the One Day Cup going into the back end of the 4-Day Series would be great,” said Friend.
“It’s a fresh start and a new year. We’ve got great energy in the group and we’re confident that this bunch of players can produce the goods for us.”
The Dolphins will have close to their full complement of players available to them for the tournament. Despite injuries to Daryn Dupavillon and Brad Porteous the side has some experienced players to rely on. The likes of Jason Smith, Khaya Zondo, SJ Erwee, Marques Ackerman and Prenelan Subrayen will form a strong core for the Dolphins this tournament.
Facing the Warriors is always a challenge, and Friend knows that with their fire-power and strong coaching staff it’s going to be another tricky start to the season.
“We know the Warriors are always a quality side and have some fantastic players in their ranks. They have a coach that is the SA20 winning coach, so we know what’s coming. In saying that we’ve put a lot more focus on ourselves and the key areas that we need to be good at when coming up against the Warriors.
“The quality of cricket is always good against the Warriors, and we just have to make sure that we are on top of our game this Sunday,” Friend highlighted.
The Dolphins will take on the Warriors at 09:30am on Sunday at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium. Tickets are available at www.ticketpros.co.za
Hollywoodbets Dolphins squad:
Okuhle Cele, Romashan Pillay, SJ Erwee, Andile Simelane, Jon-Jon Smuts, Marques Ackerman (c), Tristan Luus, Tshepang Dithole, Bryce Parsons, Khaya Zondo, Prenelan Subrayen, Jason Smith, Hanu Viljoen, Eathan Bosch.
