On Monday, the Knights beat the Eastern Cape Iinyathi by 11 runs in the final at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein, securing their first silverware of the season. The final resumed on Monday after rain, lightning and hail forced play to be postponed on Sunday after just 10.2 overs.

The Knights posted 155/7 in their 20 overs, with Isaac Dikgale top-scoring with an unbeaten 57, while Snyman chipped in with 26 and Ruan Haasbroek added 23.

Ruben Maree, Seth Fledermaus, and Mbongi Mhlanga - Knights

In reply, the Iinyathi were well placed at 91/1 after 21.1 overs before a double-strike from Snyman, who trapped Jason Niemand and captain Nathan Roux LBW for 31 and 43 respectively in the space of three balls.

That swung the momentum back to the Knights, who eventually restricted the visitors to 144/6.

Although Snyman took the two key wickets, it was Mhlanga’s left-arm spin that consistently applied pressure to the Iinyathi batters.

Snyman told OFM Sport that while he’ll gladly take credit for the wickets, the real recognition should go to captain Malusi Siboto.

“I take the credit for it, but Malusi made a great field change, and that led to the two quick wickets with them playing false shots into our half,” said Snyman, who will be heading to Cape Town later in December for the upcoming SA20.

“So, all credit to Malusi and his captaincy. I think he was very good.”

Snyman added that the 22-year-old Mhlanga was the standout performer for him throughout the campaign, delivering every time he was thrown the ball - often under pressure.

Jacques Snyman and Isaac Dikgale - Knights

“For me, Mbongi bowled under pressure every time. Fair play to him - he had a great competition, his first full competition,” Snyman said.

“Every time he bowled, he was under pressure, and it never looked like he panicked or backed down. A lot of credit must go to Mbongi for all the spells he bowled during the competition.”

Reflecting on their first piece of silverware since the 2021/22 season, Snyman said it was a massive moment for the team, especially after coming agonisingly close in the previous two seasons.

“We’ve worked for this the whole season. Other than the 15 points being the first thing, I think we were out of the game at the start.

“Fair play to the Border boys - they played very well - and the way we pulled it back was just out of this world.

“All the credit goes to all 11 guys, the guys off the field, and everyone who played a role during the season. It’s an unbelievable win, not only for the team but for the Free State province.”

The Knights will now enjoy a short break before resuming their CSA 4-Day Series campaign. They return to action on 11 December when they travel to Kimberley to face Northern Cape Heat at the Diamond Oval.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport