Linde excited to lead YesPlay Cobras into new YesPlay Pro20 Cup campaign

YesPlay WP Cobras white-ball captain George Linde is relishing the opportunity to lead the side as they begin their Pro20 Cup campaign against Momentum Multiply Titans at SuperSport Park on Friday.

The match gets underway at 6pm and will be televised live on SuperSport, with Linde set to lead a squad that combines experienced senior players with exciting young talent.

The Cobras captain believes the blend within the squad can provide the team with the hunger and energy required to make a strong start to the competition.

"It's obviously a younger squad that we have," said Linde. "But that's what makes it so exciting. We've got young players who are hungry, eager to prove themselves and ready to make their mark. Having that energy around the group is really exciting and we're looking forward to seeing what we can achieve together.

"Then you've got the senior players who bring experience and leadership to the group. So, we're really looking forward to this competition and hopefully we can put everything together, perform consistently and go all the way."

For Linde, the opportunity to captain the Cobras in white-ball cricket carries added significance, having spent much of his career with the franchise and representing the team he grew up supporting.

The 34-year-old all-rounder says taking on the leadership role is a special moment in his career, particularly after 15 years with the club.

"It's my boyhood club, and it's very special. It’s a privilege to be appointed to lead the side for the white ball competitions. I've been here for 15 years, so it's the first time I'm officially leading the team, which is very exciting for me. I'm very happy,” he said.

With a new YesPlay Pro20 Cup campaign ahead, Linde and the Cobras will be hoping to begin their journey with a strong performance at SuperSport Park. The captain will look to draw on his experience while helping the younger players settle into the competition and contribute to the teams’ ambitions.

The Cobras will be eager to make a positive start as they look to build momentum in the new-look competition.

YesPlay Cobras travelling squad

Oliver Whitehead, Jody Lawrence, Daniel Smith, Mihlali Mpongwana, Raeeq Daniels, Joshua van Heerden, Valentine Kitime, Tshepo Moreki, George Linde (captain), Asakhe Tsaka, Josh Breed, Jiveshan Pillay, Kashief Josephs, Eddie Moore.