Limpopo provincial cricket team, Impala head coach, Israel Hlengani does not have unrealistic targets for his team in the upcoming Africa T20 Cup in September at venues still to be confirmed.
The T20 Cup is organised by Cricket South Africa (CSA) featuring a combination of South African provincial teams and teams representing other African countries, including Kenya, Namibia, and Nigeria.
The Impalas are making only their second appearance at this tournament and Hlengani just wants them to compete optimally.
Hlengani is pleased to have retained the core of the squad from 2018 saying it helps with preparation as they know what is expected.
The former Eastern batsman further adds that his team is facing massive challenges in their quest to achieve results.
Hlengani says lack of facilities makes it difficult to prepare properly. However, the coach hopes authorities will realise what it takes to run a professional set-up.
The 30-year-old also adds that “the showcase in cricket development”, as the T20 Cup is dubbed, sets up a nice tone preceding domestic competitions.
Hlengani also likes the exposure of different playing styles his players experience at the T20 Cup.
South African teams have various restrictions on the composition of their squads at the tournament.
They have to feature no more than four players from the professional franchises, at least two players under the age of 21, and at least six players of colour (including at least three Black Africans). – Report by Lethabo Kganyago
