Dane Paterson: We need to set the tone in Gqeberha

March 2025

NEWLANDS – World Sports Betting Western Province stalwart Dane Paterson believes the team has what it takes to rise above in the remaining two fixtures.

The Boys In Blue travel to Gqeberha for round 6 of the CSA One Day Cup as they hope for better a result against the Dafabet Warriors.

The match will start at 13h00 on Wednesday, March 5th, and will be live on the Cricket South Africa (CSA) YouTube page.

The 35-year-old shared the team’s disappointment in losing three consecutive games but admits the race is far from over.

“The team is disappointed after last week’s loss and all other matches we didn’t do well in,” said Paterson.

“We looked at the last four games as very important games, so we are a bit disappointed with our performances, but we’re looking forward to the next two.

“I think as a team we just need to bounce back and probably just do the basics well, do the basics for longer, and then just find ways on identifying where we can take wickets or where we can start scoring runs after building and absorbing pressure.

Western Province currently occupies the bottom spot in the standings after losing four matches and winning just one.

Paterson says the team needs to do better as they aim to finish on a high.

“I think where we can improve is our death overs. I think we’ve been lacking a bit because for 35 overs we are very good and then after 15 overs we start lacking a bit, so I think we have to be better in that department,” he said.

“As a bowling unit, we know it, and I think with us bowling first for 4 games I think we need to set the tone better.

He added that facing the Warriors at St Georges won’t be easy. He believes winning in Gqeberha will boost the team’s morale.

“They just came from a loss as well and they are the team that brings the fight to you, so it won’t be an easy task. We know what team they are but we believe in our squad,” he adds.

“Winning the game in Gqeberha will boost our confidence, we know we are playing on Wednesday, and we have another big one on Sunday against Boland, so will help us finish the campaign on a high.”

Head coach Salieg Nackerdien has added two new faces to the squad travelling to Gqeberha.

South Africa Under-19 captain Benjamin Hansen and Western Province Colts player Josh Breed have been included in the 14 men squad.

Hansen who captained the SA U/19 team during the SA vs England U/19 series has been given the nod to showcase his skill moving from the junior ranks into the fully professional Western Province setup.

Western Province Colts and Claremont CC all-rounder Breed who has been in fine form taking an innings 8 wicket haul against Eastern Province Colts has also been included to the team for a crucial clash tomorrow.

WSB WP travelling squad

Jody Lawrence, Kyle Verreynne (C), Benjamin Hansen, Mthiwekhaya Nabe, Eddie Moore, Josh Breed, Valentine Kitime, Daniel Smith, Mihlali Mpongwana, Dane Paterson, Onke Nyaku, Kyle Simmonds, David Bedingham, Oliver Whitehead.