COBRASSE BOTS

FORMER Cape Cobras brasse Rory Kleinveldt and Robin Peterson’s teams will face off in the biggest clash of the opening round of the 2025-26 Cricket South Africa Four-Day Series at St Geroge’s Park on Thursday (10am start).

Kleinveldt makes his return to South African domestic cricket after a coaching stint in the UK’s County Cricket circuit.

Recently appointed as coach of Province, Kleinveldt brings nuwe perspective and experience to a team looking to re-establish itself as a powerhouse in the four-day format.

Across the field, Peterson, now an established coach, has built the Warriors into a consistent and competitive span over recent seasons.

His leadership and tactical approach have earned him widespread respect, making the Warriors a team to watch this season.

WP wicketkeeper-batter Daniel Smith says his manne are eager to take to the field and put into practice all the skills and strategies they have honed during pre-season, aiming to start the campaign strongly and make an impact from the very first match.

Smith wysed: “The pre-season has gone really well and the boys are itching to get onto the park.

“I think we got what we wanted out of it, but I think the excitement in the group is really exciting now. We’re itching to get onto the field and start the competition.”

Smith admits that facing the Warriors on their home turf won’t be easy, but he is confident that WP have the skills, determination and team spirit to rise above the challenge and put in a kwaai performance.

He added: “All our focus is on the first game against the Warriors this week in Gqeberha, and I think it’s going to be a great game and a good contest between both bat and ball.”

WP squad: Beuran Hendricks, Josh Breed, Bongile Mfunelwa, Valentine Kitime, Mihlali Mpongwana, Jiveshen Pillay, Edward Moore, Daniel Smith, Joshua van Heerden, Oliver Whitehead, Kyle Simmonds, Tshepo Moreki, Dane Paterson

Four-day series fixtures:

Thursday: Boland v Titans, Dragons v Tuskers (both 10am start)