The newly contracted English-born all-rounder, Matthew Kleinveldt, told OFM Sport that it has been very disruptive but he is impressed with the professionalism at this new team.

“It’s been an indifferent preseason I would say”, said the cousin of the Proteas bowling all-rounder, Rory Kleinveldt.

“With the virus around, we’ve had to take extreme precaution around the ground. It’s been very different at times and has felt disorganised, but not from our planning.

“As you’ve duly noted, as the infections have occurred we’ve had to put training on hold here and there.

“But other than that, it has been a fantastic time so far in Bloemfontein. My family and I have really taken to the Bloemfontein culture if you want to put it that way. The surroundings and that is obviously very different to the lifestyle we enjoyed in Cape Town, but we are really enjoying our time here so far.

“Just being around the guys, the competitive nature of the guys, they are very fit, and I’ve had to push myself just to get to their level. It’s have been a good challenge and also a very exciting time.

“It’s kind of pushing me in a different direction in terms of my mindset and in keeping me focussed on the game.

“It has been really brilliant. The professionalism around the ground especially from the top down. All the way from the CEO, to the coach, to the players and the staff, has been fantastic.

“I feel very much settled in now, and there’s not much more I can say because we haven’t really been free to just do what we would like.

“We have to stick to a routine and the Covid-19 guidelines to try and stay as safe as possible while we are training around the ground”

The Knights are expected to be back in training at the Mangaung Oval on Monday.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport