Titans 11-4 (all prices Bet365)
Last year: champions
Squad: Henry Davids, Aiden Markram, Albie Morkel, Chris Morris, Daniel Sincuba, David Wiese, Farhaan Behardien, Grant Mokoena, Grant Thomson, Heino Kuhn, Heinrich Klaasen, Jonathan Vandiar, Junior Dala, Lungisani Ngidi, Malusi Siboto, Morne Morkel, Qaasim Adams, Rowan Richards, Shaun von Berg
Analysis: The team to beat, naturally. Although it should be noted that no winner of this competition has ever defended their crown. According to published squad lists they have lost the runs of Quinton de Kock, who was last year’s top runscorer. We wait for confirmation. Morris was the top wicket-taker, though. The Morkel brothers are potent but we just don’t fancy them at the odds, which are far too short.
Dolphins 9-2
Last year: runners-up
Squad: Vaughn van Jaarsveld, Tshepang Dithole, Sibonelo Makhanya, Robbie Frylinck, Prenelan Subrayen, Mthokozisi Shezi, Khaya Zondo, Keshav Maharaj, Imraan Khan, Divan van Wyk, Daryn Smit, Daryn Miles Dupavillon, Craig Alexander, Morne van Wyk, Andile Phehlukwayo, Calvin Savage , Cameron Delport, Cody Chetty, Kevin Pietersen
Analysis: The Dolphins looked far and away the best side in the tournament up until the last hurdle. They lost only twice in the group stage. They failed to defend 160 in the final and it has to be said their bowling was often shaky. Have they remedied that? Well, it’s pretty much as you were. They are basically relying on superstar Kevin Pietersen and although his individual record in franchise leagues is good, the same cannot be said of the team he plays for. They just don’t get over the line. We are not too sure about lessons going unheeded. They have lost their stars David Miller and Kyle Abbott to Knights and Warriors respectively.
Cobras 7-2
Last year: Semi-finals
Squad: Justin Ontong, Andrew Puttick, Aviwe Mgijima, Beuran Hendricks, Dane Paterson, Zubayr Hamza, Wayne Parnell, Vernon Philander, Tshepo Moreki, Stiaan van Zyl, Rory Kleinveldt, Richard Levi, Omphile Ramela, Lizaad Williams , Keegan Petersen, Jean-Paul Duminy, Jason Smith, Dane Piedt, Dane Vilas, George Linde, Hashim Amla.
Analysis: Forget about Amla, Duminy and Philander being listed, it is unlikely they will appear much at all in the group stages. But they could be available for the finals day if CSA deem them fit enough. It’s a well-rounded squad, though which should be good enough to qualify. Once in the business end those big guns could make all the difference. And they won the thing the previous year so it would be a surprise if they didn’t go close. They would be our top-rated wager.
Warriors 7-1
Last year: semi-finals
Squad: Colin Ackermann, Andrew Birch, Gihahn Cloete, Clyde Fortuin, Ayabulela Gqamane, Simon Harmer, Colin Ingram, Christiaan Jonker, Sisanda Magala, Lundi Mbane, Thandolwethu Mnyaka, Michael Price, Somila Seyibokwe, JJ Smuts, Rusty Theron, Yaseen Valli, Basheeru-Deen Walters, David White, Kyle Abbott.
Analysis: This is not a confirmed squad but it is more than likely the Warriors will be heavily reliant on Ackermann and Abbott for runs and wickets respectively. The latter may miss a chunk of the group section because of South Africa duty, too. Ingram was a key man with the bat last year but is struggling with a knee injury. They could come up short against more illustrious opponents.
Lions 5-1
Last year: Fifth
Squad: Aaron Phangiso, Alviro Petersen, Bjorn Fortuin, Devon Conway, Dominic Hendricks, Eddie Leie, Hardus Viljoen, Mangaliso Mosehle, Matt McGillivray, Nicky van den Bergh, Nono Pongolo, Rassie van der Dussen , Reeza Hendricks, Sean Jamison, Wihan Lubbe
Analysis: The Lions did not qualify for the play-offs and managed four wins from ten. Still, they only lost out because Warriors had a game washed out – earning points – and they didn’t. Still, it is something of leap to reckon they will challenge this time round. They just don’t seem to have the depth. They have good young players but it’s a big ask to see them winning. Even bigger to back them at the odds.
Knights 9-2
Last year: Sixth
Squad: Theunis de Bruyn, Corne Dry, David Miller, Diego Rosier, Dillon du Preez, Duanne Olivier, Dylan Stanley, Letlotlo Sesele, Marchant de Lange, Mbulelo Budaza, Michael Erlank, Patrick Botha, Petrus van Biljon, Rilee Rossouw, Robin Peterson, Rudi Second, Shadley van Schalkwyk, Tumelo Bodibe, Werner Coetsee
Analysis: This lot made the final in 2015 but last year they finished bottom, winning just three times. Bonkers. Not surprisingly they have dispensed with the expensive Andre Russell in favour of homegrown Miller. Add to the mix Rossouw’s runs – he is unlikely to be needed by the Proteas much – and they are looking strong again. They would be our second wager as we can comfortably see them making the semis this time
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