South African batting legend AB de Villiers on Tuesday (November 13) was appointed as the captain of Tshwane Spartans for the upcoming edition of Mzansi Super League.
De Villiers, who stunned the cricketing fraternity by announcing a shock retirement from international cricket in May this year, expressed his excitement over the development.
"I try to lead from the front and rely on the experience I've picked up over the years. I believe I'm a decent man-manager when it comes to understanding players' strengths and weaknesses. I'm looking forward to it. It's an exciting challenge and I'm ready for it," De Villiers quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
Spartans will take on Cape Town Blitz in the tournament opener on November 16. It will be De Villiers’ first appearance in a competitive match since he announced his retirement from international cricket.
"I think it will be a great game and I am looking forward to it. The quality of cricket in the Mzansi Super League is going to be good. It's very exciting, I am very happy to finally be part of the tournament that I believe will help South African cricket development and give youngsters incredible exposure to play with some of the world superstars,” he added.
Rilee Rossouw will replace Zimbabwe allrounder Sean Williams for the first weekend, as Williams is currently in Bangladesh with his national side and needs to travel to Harare after that tour in order to process his visa application for South Africa.
"Even though we're missing out on a few players that aren't available yet, we still have a fantastic balance in the side. There's good skill right through, with batting depth all the way down to No. 9, which isn't normally the case with T20 cricket,” AB asserted.
"I'm excited about our bowlers as well. There's lots of experience with a number of guys who have done this day in and day out, and a couple of wristspinners, with the option to go right or left-arm orthodox, so there are lots of variations," he continued.
Spartans' first home game is against the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants on November 25 and De Villiers wants his troops to be on their toes for the away games.
"We start with three away games which is not normally ideal, but on the other hand, it gives us the opportunity to get a few away wins under the belt and hopefully we start well," AB de Villiers concluded.
(With inputs from ESPNcricinfo)
