Over the past few seasons, the team from Potchefstroom has come agonisingly close, and they want to go one step further in the 50-over competition.

First up for the Dragons will be a Central South African derby against the Knights at home over the weekend.

Dragons batter Lesiba Ngoepe told OFM Sport that they have their goals, but the Free State cannot be underestimated.

“Oh, it’s massive. I feel like we’ve earned the right to be in the top four teams in the country in terms of white-ball cricket, and we’re looking to obviously get over the line.

Last year, we just fell short in the finals. We’re looking forward to this campaign. Hopefully, we bring back some silverware.

“They’re a good side – one that you can’t underestimate. Obviously, coming back from Division 2 to Division 1, they’re looking to be competitive.

We don’t take them for granted, just like any other team. So, it’s going to be a good contest, as it has been over the past two games, and we’re looking forward to it.”

Wihan Lubbe. Photo: Morgan Piek

Meanwhile, Dragons captain Wihan Lubbe is expecting a proper battle between the two teams, as past games across all competitions have tended to be tightly contested affairs, and a strong rivalry has certainly developed.

“Yes, it’s definitely a rivalry. I think it’s always been there, even from pre-sort-of-new-structure days,” said Lubbe.

“The Knights have come to Potch, and we’ve gone to Bloem on separate occasions for our pre-season games and all those types of preparation activities.

“So, it’s a naturally formed rivalry that has developed over the years. I think it was almost amplified last season with the tight games, as mentioned.

So, yeah, it’s definitely an exciting one. Dane Piedt and I dubbed it the ‘Trans-Vaal River derby’ a couple of months ago in the T20 competition.

“I think they are by no means a promotion-relegation team this year. So, we’re definitely expecting a strong fight and a tough game on Saturday.”

Saturday’s game between the Dragons and the Knights at the Mangaung Oval is scheduled to get underway at 13:00.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg