18 Sep Impalas Ready To Defend Their Title In The T20 Knockout
POLOKWANE: The 2024/25 T20 Knockout competition kicks off on Saturday, 21 September and all eyes will be on the defending champions, Limpopo Impalas, who stormed to victory last season with a string of impressive performances.
Heading into last year’s competition as underdogs, Impalas showcased a combination of team unity, smart game plans, and fearless cricket, all of which culminated in them lifting the title. This year, they aim to defend their crown with even more determination and grit as they begin their title defence against ACDC Express Tuskers in Polokwane.
Don Radebe, last season’s Division 2 T20 Knockout Player of the Tournament, was a central figure in the team’s success. His inspiring performances, including a memorable hat-trick against Northern Cape Heat, were pivotal in changing the course of key games.
Reflecting on the team’s title run, Radebe commented; “We came in as underdogs, and that gave us the motivation to show everyone we were good enough to win. We believed in each other, and everyone understood their role in the team.”
Impalas are well aware that being the defending champions brings a new set of challenges. Opponents will undoubtedly come at them with greater intensity. “We understand that our opponents will come stronger at us this season, but we’ve definitely improved. We’re going to make sure we play even harder than last year. We’ve reflected on where we can improve and corrected what we lacked to make sure we are better and stronger this season,” said Radebe.
Radebe himself embodies the spirit of the Impalas. Born and raised in Limpopo, his journey from playing street cricket to professional success is a source of motivation, not only for himself but for the entire province.
“I think the drive I get from understanding the struggles to get to the top sets me apart. I feel like I’m hungrier to succeed because I’m not only representing myself, but every young boy in Limpopo who wishes to play at a higher level.”
For Radebe, cricket is about more than personal success; it’s about paving the way for future generations.
He has big ambitions, with goals to represent South Africa and play in the prestigious Betway SA20 tournament. But his dream doesn’t stop there. He also hopes to lead Limpopo to Division 1 cricket next season. “My goal is to see Impalas in Division 1. That’s what I’m working towards,” he said, highlighting the importance of elevating his team to even greater heights.
Impalas’ team spirit and camaraderie have been crucial to their achievements. This unity is bolstered by the emergence of new talent, with several younger players on the verge of breaking into professional cricket.
The team will also face an exciting challenge this season when they go up against their former captain, who has moved to the Northern Cape Heat. “It’s definitely going to be exciting playing against him,” Radebe remarked.
Impalas are calling on fans from Limpopo and beyond to stand with them as they defend their title. With each game, Impalas aim to inspire local fans, igniting a deep sense of pride in the province and showing them that with belief, resilience, and unity, anything is possible. #WozaNawe
For Media Enquiries please contact:
Alungile Nyakambi – Corporate Communications Officer
Cell: +27 (0) 84 204 3689
Email: alungilen@cricket.co.za
ENDS
Issued by: Cricket South Africa – Corporate Communications
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