INTERNATIONALLY-ACCLAIMED fielding coach Ryan Maron has tipped his new team, SOGO Rangers, to be the surprise package of the NPL T20 Blast, which kicked-off in Harare yesterday.
Maron, who has previously coached West Indies and Afghanistan, believes his side has the potential to shake up the competition.
“I only arrived yesterday [Monday] and we have had one session, fielding session. We will be having a meeting after the game, talking about the structures and the DNA I want to try and implement going forward for this tournament,” Maron told NewsDay Sport.
“I do not expect to make massive changes in a short period of time, but what I am trying to bring in is the professionalism, high level of expertise and trying to assist the team, especially the younger players, with my experience working with the international teams, what is expected from a player and what they need to try and achieve.”
SOGO Rangers got off to a flying start after beating defending champions Takashinga Patriots 2 by seven wickets inside 12 overs in an afternoon encounter at Harare Sports Club yesterday.
Patriots 2 batted first and were bowled out for 72 runs in 15.5 overs, with SOGO Rangers overhauling the target in 12 overs, reaching 76/3.
Benjamin Banks picked three wickets for seven runs in three overs.
With his expert guidance, Maron boldly declared SOGO Rangers the dark horses of the NPL T20 Blast.
- Maron declares Rangers NPL surprise package
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“I understand that Takashinga are the reigning champions. We were quite happy coming in as underdogs into this game and to try and get our players to express their talent and ability to succeed and to play well as a team. It is always better coming in as an underdog and not the favourite,” he said.
“I am excited to see the players, how they perform, how they go about things. The Rangers, they have a mix of young and senior players. Unfortunately, a few of the players are not available due to injury and other commitments with Zimbabwe overseas.
“The Rangers have a lot of experience on the side and a few players who have played international cricket and we will rely on them to perform and also to help the young players on and off the field. So excited to see the mix of players that we have and to see the guys succeed and do well this tournament.”
