While the focus is firmly on first-class cricket for now, the Knights have received a massive boost ahead of the upcoming T20 Knockout with big-hitting Protea, Rilee Rossouw, set to make another return. Rossouw will link up with the Knights for the shortest format of the game, which gets underway on 24 October when they face the Northern Cape Heat in Kimberley in the tournament opener.

The 36-year-old, who celebrated his birthday just last week, now plies his trade across the globe in various lucrative T20 leagues.

Rilee Rossouw in action for the Punjab Kings in the 2024 Indian Premier League. Photo: Cricinfo

He has featured in 385 T20 matches throughout his career, excluding his 29 T20 Internationals for South Africa, amassing just under 9,500 runs in the format - including nine centuries and 53 fifties. His tally also features a staggering 914 fours and 400 sixes.

What makes Rossouw’s highly anticipated return even more special is that he reached out to the Knights himself, wanting to return to his hometown and help his long-time side earn valuable points in the T20 competition.

Coach JP Triegaardt told OFM Sport that he is thrilled to have the Free State great back in the mix, not only for his explosive ability on the field, but also for the immense value he brings off it.

“When Rilee gave me the call to say he was interested in coming back and being part of a T20 competition, I mean, who’s going to say no to a guy like that?” said Triegaardt.

“It’s not just about what he brings on the field, but also the experience and knowledge he passes on to the younger players, especially when it comes to T20 cricket. “If you look at his stats, they speak for themselves. 

“He’s scored proper hundreds and fifties in T20 cricket, and the way he goes about it is entertaining, exactly what the crowd wants to see. To have him with us is really exciting heading into the T20.”

Rilee Rossouw celebrating a fifty for the Pretoria Capitals in the 2024 SA20. Photo: Cricinfo

Triegaardt added that the fact Rossouw reached out to rejoin the team says a lot about his mindset, the kind of attitude he values in his squad. “It’s exciting to see that he’s still hungry, that’s the most important thing,” the former wicketkeeper added.

“He still has the passion to play, and if that passion is there, you’ve got to let the guy play. I’m honestly just happy he gave me the call. We know exactly what he brings to the team, both on and off the field, and I’m delighted to have him aboard.”

Meanwhile, play between the Knights and the Impalas at the Mangaung Oval is scheduled to start at 10:00 on Thursday morning.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh