Photo Credit: Imperial Lions
The Imperial Lions Cubs are excited to be playing competitive cricket once again as they depart for Stellenbosch today as defending champions ahead of the upcoming 2021 Cub’s Week which will take place in a Bio-Secure Environment (BSE) at Stellenbosch University.
Preparation for the 2021 Cub’s Week has been different due to the Coronavirus lockdown but none the less very productive as players have prepared physically, mentally and technically for the U19 Franchise Tournament.
“We have been blessed as a small group to be able to train effectively. The challenge was to keep the players motivated and working hard as the tournament was in doubt but the players have played their part in a mature manner and put in huge effort at all times. They also restricted their movements as we requested and as a result the entire team produced negative Covid tests ahead of the Cubs week which means we can travel with our selected squad.” Imperial Lions Cubs’ and SA U19 Assistant coach Siya Sibiya commented.
Imperial Lions cubs captain Michael Copeland emphasized the excitement of the players ahead of the tournament and says the highveld side are ready for the 2021 cub’s week.
“We have prepared well; we trust our processes and hope we can immolate the previous Imperial Lions Cubs’ squads and excel in the tournament and possibly bring the trophy back again” Copeland commented.
The Imperial Lions Cubs have won this tournament six times out of the last eight years CSA have had a trophy for this event and the young Lions are keen to bring the trophy home again. The CSA U19 Franchise Cubs’ Week begins on 3 February as the Imperial Lions Cubs open their campaign with a fixture against the Warriors Cubs. The tournament will conclude on the 7th of February 2021.
2021 Imperial Lions Cubs’ team:
Michael Copeland (CGL) (Capt), Ronan Herman (CGL), Simo Potelwa (CGL), Reuben du Toit (CGL), Nkanyiso Mkhize (CGL), Phemelo Sepati (NWC), Zack Momberg (CGL), Samuel Ruwisi (CGL), Caleb Saleka (NWC), Liam Alder (CGL), Gerard Coetzee (CGL), Liam McCarthy (CGL), Heinrigh Pieterse (CGL), Taheer Isaacs (CGL)
Siyabonga Sibiya (Coach)
Braydon Dixon (CSA National U19 Talent Scout)
CGL – Central Gauteng Lions
NWC – North West Cricket
