Durban — Saturday is set out to be a big sporting day for South Africa.
In football, AmaZulu FC take on Orlando Pirates in the MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban. In cricket, the Hollywoodbets Dolphins take on the Momentum Multiply Titans in the CSA T20 Challenge Final at Senwes Park, Potchefstroom.
The Dolphins and Titans were the top two teams in the round-robin stage, so it is appropriate that they meet again in the final. The Durban outfit won four games, lost two and had one “no-result” to finish second. The Dolphins will be looking to avenge their defeat when they last played these opponents - losing by 34 runs in their first match.
The Titans were also responsible for knocking out the Durban side in last season’s semi-final. Dolphins fielding coach Mduduzi Mbatha is looking forward to the encounter and believes his side have the right tools to be crowned champions.
“The guys are in good spirits. I think we match up with them and we are in a good space so it should be a cracker of a final on Saturday.”
He mentions individuals that have contributed to them reaching the finals - the likes of: Ottniel Baartman (bowler) contributing 15 wickets with an economy rate of 6.74, Eathan Bosch (bowler) contributing 11 wickets with an economy rate of 5.00, and Grant Roelofsen (batter) with 333 runs with a strike-rate of 133.20. Roelofsen has posted 50+ runs on three occasions this season with a top score of 91.
In football, Amazulu have a chance to win their first trophy in 30 years. The oldest football club in South Africa last tasted success in 1992 when they won the Coca-Cola Cup (now Telkom Knockout) by beating another Soweto team, Kaizer Chiefs - 3-1.
Amazulu spokesperson Phumlani Dube is upbeat about his side’s chances and believes they will reward the home fans with a trophy.
“This is a very important game and we’ll do our best to win it. Our players have got the skills to outperform Orlando Pirates. I know that the Bucs will be looking to spoil the party but we’ve just got to be prepared and ruthless in front of the goal.”
The last time these two sides played, it was a 1-1 draw. Dube also touches on how much this victory will mean for KZN as it comes off the back of the inauguration of King MisuZulu ka Zwelithini, and possibly in his full view.
“This is a chance for the club to win our first trophy in 30 years in front of our faithful fans. It is great to play in front of our fans at home. That gives us great joy. Our goal is just to make sure that we deliver on our promise to ensure that we keep our supporters happy and proud.”
Daily News