Nashua Cape Cobras
View current squad
The Nashua Cape Cobras made the semi-finals of last year's Standard Bank Pro20, before losing out to the eventual winners of the competition, the Nashua Titans.
The Cobras' squad is an exciting mix of wise old heads and exuberant youngsters, with left-arm spinner Claude Henderson and seamer Charl Langeveldt, both into their 30s now, providing a strong bowling base for the Cape franchise. Young fast bowler Francois Plaatjies is someone who has the ability to trouble any batsman as he serves up deliveries that regularly top the 145km/h mark.
The Cobras captain, Justin Ontong, is a batsman who seems tailor-made for limited-overs cricket, while the Cobras also possess two fine all-rounders in Vernon Philander and Rory Kleinveldt, which gives the team a nice balance.
Experienced left-handed opening batsman Andrew Puttick will provide the glue at the top of the Cobras’ innings that will allow talented youngsters like Richard Levi and Stiaan van Zyl to express themselves when they are called upon to bat.
Coach-speak - Shukri Conrad
Shukri Conrad achieved coaching success when he guided the Highveld Lions to the Standard Bank Cup title in the 2003/04 season before joining the Cape Cobras in August 2005. Conrad duly delivered for his new franchise when he oversaw a Cobras’ limited-overs triumph in the 2006/07 season. As a player, Conrad, who trained as a teacher, represented SA Schools in the 1983/84 season and played for the Western Province Cricket Board at provincial level, prior unity, from 1985 to 1991.
"Standard Bank Pro20 cricket, being what it is, every team rates their chances. There is very little to choose between the teams and, going by that, we have every chance in the tournament.
As a team we are very flexible, which is something you need in Pro20 cricket. On the batting side, we have guys that can be destructive and we can be flexible in our batting line-up, while on the bowling side we have some very skilful bowlers."