Giants Taking Great Strides

Shafiek Abrahams, Jon Jon Smuts, Eric Simons, Junior Dala and Ben Duckett

Port Elizabeth – The Nelson Mandela Bay Giants held a press conference on 13 November and addressed the Media about their plans and expectations for the exciting upcoming Mzansi Super League.Coach Eric Simons, captain Jon Jon Smuts, team manager Shafiek Abrahams and players; Junior Dala and Ben Duckett were in attendance.

“We had a very good draft, I’m very happy with the squad that we put together. Finally, we have got together as a team and are getting to know each other. The first objective is to turn sixteen individuals into a team with a common objective”, Simons said.

The Giants assembled in Port Elizabeth on 12 November and went straight into their first practice. Captain, Jon Jon Smuts, highlighted how the Giants will look to “exploit the conditions” through their spin options, when they play at St George’s Park as well as to play well in their home games as “it makes life a little easier” when they’re on the road.

“We’re looking to take the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants to the people, as a community team”, added team Manager Shafiek Abrahams. The Giants have various activations that will be happening at different hubs and schools in Port Elizabeth.

He encouraged the fans to come and support all the home matches at St Georges Park. Junior Dala, highlighted how the team has “a good balance of good youngsters and international players, where the team won’t rely only on experienced players to perform”.

England international, Ben Duckett said that he was looking forward to, “learning from his teammates” and “playing my part, wherever I’m needed”.

The Nelson Mandela Bay Giants play their first game against the Jozi Stars on 17 November and their first home match of the season on November 23 against the Durban Heat. Tickets for the match are available at Ticketpro or at the St George’s Park Ticket Office.