The Knights are the T20 Knockout and 4-Day Series champions after a superb season that has produced just one defeat so far.

With the 30 points collected by topping the table in the T20 and first-class competitions, the Knights have an unassailable lead in the promotion race, and the Free State outfit will be back competing in Division 1 next season.

JP Triegaardt. Photo: Morgan Piek

With the first goals ticked off, attention now shifts to complete dominance in order to build momentum and even more confidence before the move back to the top tier of domestic cricket.

As the team to beat, the Knights will certainly have a target on their backs, but as has been the case throughout the season, it will be about taking it one ball at a time.

Knights assistant coach Ruan Dercksen told OFM Sport while they have hit the reset button, they are determined to continue the momentum built over the course of the campaign.

“It’s absolutely back to square one – we’re definitely not taking the foot off the gas, and it’s just about shifting our mindset back to zero,” said Dercksen.

“We wanted to prove something in general, but now it’s really about proving it to ourselves. We’ve played some really good cricket across the T20s and the four-day games, and we’re massively excited about our accomplishments.

“We’ve appreciated the moments and celebrated the trophies, but every time we head into a new day, we know we need to go back to zero. We need to regroup and completely restart. There’s no use in basking in what’s been – it’s all about how we move forward.”

He said there is a strong expectation within the camp and still plenty to play for, as the players’ individual futures may also depend on performances in the white-ball competition.

“The boys know what’s expected. We’ve had some serious prep days, and they’re excited to get back to white-ball cricket. There have been some really good conversations in camp, and the boys are putting themselves on the line.

“I almost want to be as bold as to say this is our strongest prep yet. We know it’s going to be a massive fight. If teams have hated us before, it’s going to be a level up now. Everyone’s got something to prove, and this competition is the opportunity to do it.”

Gihahn Cloete. Photo: Morgan Piek

“There’s still a massive chance for players to put up their hands and achieve personal goals. It’s a real opportunity for everyone to contribute and, together as a team, to prove to ourselves – and to the cricketing community – that we deserve our spot back.”

Dercksen concluded by saying the season treble had been a target from the outset, and they are hell-bent on achieving it to sign off the 2025/26 campaign on a high note.

“From the start, it’s been about chasing that trio. We’ve planned competition by competition, making sure we line everything up correctly – the way we prepare, the way we play, and how we come off the field – taking it all forward with a fresh mind and clear plans.”

Jacques Snyman. Photo: Morgan Piek

“We’re all kind of jittery, but in the most positive and exciting way. The first weekend away up north is refreshing – a new environment for body and mind, forcing a reset. If you feel a bit complacent, going into a new place and competition helps hit that reset hard.

“The challenge of chasing our third title is massive. It’s all about proving it to ourselves. We’re extremely excited and can’t wait to get it going.”

Sunday’s match between the Limpopo Impalas and the Knights in Polokwane is scheduled to get underway at 10:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg