With promotion back to Division 1 firmly in their sights, the Knights know that finishing top of the log would seal their return to what they believe is their rightful place in South African domestic cricket.

A victory in East London would go a long way towards achieving that goal, although there is still plenty of work to be done. The Free Staters will travel to White River next week to face the Mpumalanga Rhinos, while log leaders Eastern Storm and second-placed Garden Route Badgers continue to apply pressure just above the third-placed Knights. Encouragingly for the men from Bloemfontein, they have a game in hand, which could see them surge to the top of the standings.

Dane Piedt - Morgan Piek

The Knights have also received a timely boost with the return of three experienced campaigners. Opening batter Jacques Snyman, left-arm fast bowler Tiaan van Vuuren, and regular captain and Proteas spinner Dane Piedt are all back in the fold after representing MI Cape Town in the SA20. Whether the trio will be included in Thursday’s playing XI remains to be seen.

Snyman, a seasoned performer who also offers valuable off-spin, told OFM Sport that while the SA20 experience was special, the focus has now shifted back to the business end of red-ball cricket.

“The SA20 was good fun and I learned a lot from the experience – I’m really looking forward to being back with the Knights,” said the T20 International Protea.

“As you mentioned, it’s a big game against the Iinyathi. We played them in the T20 Challenge qualifier and final, so we know they’re a dangerous side.”

He added that the Knights are confident in their preparation and form.

“That said, we’ve done the hard work. The team is playing well and the individuals are in great form. It was also great to see Joe van Dyk take six wickets and gain a lot of confidence from that spell with the ball.”

The Knights are determined to maintain their intensity as the promotion race heats up, and Snyman added that they will take it ball-by-ball and game-by-game.

“We’re definitely going hard against the Iinyathi from tomorrow and then again in the final game against the Mpumalanga Rhinos. We’re not underestimating anyone. The coaches have been working hard, the squad is looking good, and everyone is feeling confident and fresh after the break.

“We’ll take it game-by-game and not look too far ahead, even though we know promotion and relegation are on the line. If we keep trusting our processes, I’m confident that will be good enough to get us promoted back to the First Division.”

Play between the Iinyathi and the Knights at Buffalo Park is scheduled to get under way at 10:00 on Thursday morning.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport