The Knights will play in the opening game of the tournament when they face neighbours Northern Cape Heat in Kimberley, and they will want to transfer their confidence, momentum, and form in the CSA 4-Day Series to the 20-over format. The former Proteas seamer, Sisanda Magala, is looking good to make his Knights debut in the T20 competition, but a final decision on the squad selection will be made once they have completed their series of intersquad games in Bloemfontein in the lead-up to the Heat opener.

However, the Knights have their homegrown big gun back in action with Rilee Rossouw back in the setup before jetting off overseas again.Rilee Rossouw - Morgan Piek

The 36-year-old plies his trade in the lucrative T20 and T10 leagues abroad and always seeks to play for the Knights in the 20-over competitions whenever possible.

Rossouw told OFM Sport that coming back to play in his hometown is always special, and he wants to give back to the team where it all started for him.

“It’s where I learned to play my cricket, I’m just so happy to be back in Bloem, and to give back to the Knights is always nice,” said Rossouw.

“To contribute in any way on or off the field is something that I’m looking forward to. I’m only here for a couple of games, so I’ll try to put the most effort that I can in for the team and the franchise.”

Rossouw added that playing for the Knights remains something that is very close to his heart, as he watched his heroes playing for the team when he grew up, and being part of the union’s rich history always makes it special.

Sisanda Magala with former Knight and good friend of Rilee Rossouw, David Miller - Cricinfo

“I think for me personally, like I said, it’s where I grew up. It’s where the legends of the game, where I was watching the Hansie Cronjé’s, the Allan Donald’s, the Boeta Dippenaar’s, and even the Morné van Wyk’s, when I grew up here.

“It’s just special about this place, with how much heritage we have. It makes you proud to play at this franchise, whether it’s Division 1 or Division 2. You’re still putting your heart and soul out for the team on the day. So, just ... yeah, it’s one of those things where I love playing for the Knights.”

The destructive batter added that there is an element of pressure playing for the Knights, as he always wants to do well for the team and put them in a good space, but being familiar with the team also makes it slightly easier.

Gihahn Cloete in action against the Northern Cape Heat in 2024 - Cricinfo

“I think it would be unfair if I say it’s less pressure because I want to perform for the Knights,” said Rossouw.

“It’s a team that I hold close to my heart, and I want to do well. So there is a lot of pressure on myself, which you won’t necessarily see, because I’m quite cool and calm when it comes to those types of things.

“I just want to do well for this franchise. But playing at the Knights is also something where I’m very used to, and I’ll be a lot calmer here than at most places.”

Friday’s T20 Knockout opener between the Northern Cape Heat and Knights at the Diamond Oval in Kimberley is scheduled to get underway at 13:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport