The Jozi Stars took advantage of their first round draft seeding to pick up arguably the best batsman in the history of Twenty20 cricket in Chris Gayle.
The so-called Six Machine' is not everyone's cup of tea but he will ensure that the rest of the Jozi Stars work hard for some time in the spotlight.
Team The first two names added to the Jozi Stars lineup offered the team the best of both worlds. They snapped up Gayle after being assigned Kagiso Rabada as their marquee player pairing T20 cricket's record hundred-maker with the Proteas lead fast bowler.
Of some concern to the Johannesburg-based team will be their lack of spin options with only leg-spinner Eddie Leie and off-spinner Simon Harmer, although both do have international experience. If Enoch Nkwe could convince Gayle to once again turn his arm over he may be handed the coach of the year award on the spot.
In terms of potential partners for Gayle at the top of the order the Stars are spoiled for choice. Rassie van der Dussen recently opened the batting for the Proteas against Zimbabwe but it seems more likely that Reeza Hendricks will take the role. A third option presents itself on the form of aggressive left-hander Ryan Rickelton. The Lions franchise currently employ Van der Dussen and Hendricks as their opening pair in Twenty20 cricket. Rickleton and Pite van Biljon offer wicketkeeping cover for for Proteas gloveman Dane Vilas.
The second overseas professional is hard-hitting Australia allrounder Dan Christian. At the age of 35 his international career is probably over but Christian continues to make an impact in T20 leagues across the globe. His most recent assignment was a spell with the Notts Outlaws in the Blast in England.
Squad Full squad: Kagiso Rabada, Chris Gayle (Windies), Dane Vilas (kolpak), Rassie van der Dussen, Daniel Christian (Australia), Beuran Hendricks, Reeza Hendricks, Dwaine Pretorius, Eddie Leie, Pite van Biljon, Duanne Olivier, Ryan Rickelton, Sinethemba Qeshile (rookie), Simon Harmer (kolpak), Calvin Savage, Alfred Mothoa.
Key Players: The Stars cannot afford to bank on Gayle and need peformances from top order men Van der Dussen and Reeza Hendricks.
The craft of Simon Harmer could yet prove to the difference between defeat and victory for a Stars team that doesn't have too many slow-bowling options.
Hot prospect: As the fourth wicketkeeper in the squad Sinethemba Qeshile may not get a chance to pull on the gloves for the Stars but hopefully the Mzansi Super League will be privileged enough to see the young man bat. The Warriors prospect has a big future ahead of him and has shown signs that he could be set to make a real splash.
Captain Dane Vilas will take charge.
Fixtures 17 Nov 19:00 Jozi Stars v Nelson Mandela Bay Giants Wanderers, Johannesburg
20 Nov 19:00 Paarl Rocks v Jozi Stars Boland Park, Paarl
24 Nov 19:00 Jozi Stars v Cape Town Blitz Wanderers, Johannesburg
28 Nov 14:00 Tshwane Spartans v Jozi Stars Supersport Park, Centurion
30 Nov 19:00 Jozi Stars v Durban Heat Wanderers, Johannesburg
02 Dec 15:30 Nelson Mandela Bay Giants v Jozi Stars St George's Park, Port Elizabeth
04 Dec 19:00 Cape Town Blitz v Jozi Stars Newlands, Cape Town
07 Dec 14:00 Durban Heat v Jozi Stars Kingsmead, Durban
09 Dec 11:00 Jozi Stars v Paarl Rocks Wanderers, Johannesburg
11 Dec 19:00 Jozi Stars v Tshwane Spartans Wanderers, Johannesburg
Coach The Stars may have been tempted to spring for the Knights coach Nicky Boje for this tournament but have kept faith with the green coach of the Lions Enoch Nkwe who is in his first season in charge of the Highveld franchise.
Pitch Report While the Wanderers pitch for T20Is have sometimes been unpredictable you'd bet your house on the bullring pitch being an absolute road for the duration of the Mzansi Super League.
Tags: South AfricaSouth African CricketT20
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The Jozi Stars took advantage of their first round draft seeding to pick up arguably the best batsman in the history of Twenty20 cricket in Chris Gayle.
