Ken Borland

The Unlimited Titans’ opponents in the Global Softech Sixes Franchise Challenge next week will have to face the twin threats of both Albie Morkel and David Wiese, two of the longest hitters in the country, after the pair of all-rounders were named yesterday in the hosts’ squad for the inaugural event.

Roelof van der Merwe, Henry Davids and Farhaan Behardien provide only a marginally more veiled threat as the Titans take on the other franchises on September 4 and 5 at SuperSport Park.

Big hitters will certainly be calling the tune in the event, for which the boundaries will be brought in, allowing corporate hospitality to encroach on to the field, with Justin Kemp, Richard Levi, Dwaine Pretorius, Chris Morris, Dillon du Preez, Cameron Delport and Robbie Frylinck all named in their respective franchise squads.

The national team is away that weekend, probably playing in the final of the triangular series in Zimbabwe, but there is enough bludgeoning power on hand to ensure spectators at the Global Softech Sixes have an entertaining time.

Bowlers will be under threat, but the Titans squad is blessed in this department with everyone, except wicketkeeper/batsman Mangaliso Mosehle, being an all-rounder of some sort and Van der Merwe, Wiese, Morkel and Davids are all established limited-overs practitioners.

The Franchise Challenge is to be followed by the Africa Sixes Challenge on September 6, featuring South Africa, Zimbabwe, Namibia, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Squads

Titans: Farhaan Behardien, Albie Morkel, Dean Elgar, Roelof van der Merwe, Mangaliso Mosehle, Henry Davids, David Wiese, Qaasim Adams.

Cape Cobras: Justin Ontong, Justin Kemp, Rory Kleinveldt, Richard Levi, Aviwe Mgijima, Stiaan van Zyl, Dane Vilas.

Highveld Lions: Temba Bavuma, Dwaine Pretorius, Chris Morris, Hardus Viljoen, Jean Symes, Shaylen Pillay, Pumelela Matshikwe.

Warriors: Colin Ingram, Ryan Bailey, Lundi Mbane, Basheer Walters, Jon-Jon Smuts, Rusty Theron, Christiaan Jonker.

Knights:  Shadley van Schalkwyk, Reeza Hendricks, Tumelo Bodibe, Pite van Biljon, Dillon du Preez, Malusi Siboto, Quinton Friend, Werner Coetsee.

Dolphins: Cameron Delport, Keshav Maharaj, Khaya Zondo, Morné van Wyk, Robbie Frylinck, Sibonela Makhanya, Thandi Tshabalala.