A victory is crucial for the Knights to avoid relegation from Division 1. While the squad remains largely unchanged, there may be one or two alterations due to an illness circulating within the team. However, a final decision is yet to be made.

Knights assistant coach, Lotli Sesele, told OFM Sport that while fighting for survival is not an ideal position, the promotion-relegation battle ensures that every match remains competitive until the very last ball of the season.

“I think the promotion-relegation system has the advantage of eliminating dead-rubber games,” said Sesele.

“We've been highly competitive across all three competitions, and we see ourselves in the fight. At this stage, it’s more of a contest between us and the Warriors rather than Western Province, as I believe they are out of the battle.

Lotli Sesele. Photo: Morgan Piek

“So, it’s between us and the Warriors. If we secure a win, we should be safe, and everything will be fine.”

Sesele added that the team must embrace the pressure and focus on delivering a strong performance to turn their situation around.

“The boys know what’s at stake. There’s no greater pressure than that faced by professional sportsmen. Each player must ensure they are prepared – physically and mentally – for the challenge ahead.

Kerwin Mungroo and Garnett Tarr. Photo: Morgan Piek

“That’s the nature of sport; pressure can be both a burden and a privilege. The players must take responsibility, as we put ourselves in this situation. There were matches where we could have secured victories and avoided this position, but that’s the nature of competition and of life.

“So, I believe this will be an exciting week of cricket.”

Meanwhile, at St George’s Park, the Warriors find themselves in a similar predicament and will face Quinton Friend’s Dolphins. The Dolphins and the Lions will both be seeking victories to secure a place in the final. Play between the Knights and the Lions at the Mangaung Oval is set to begin at 10:00 on Thursday morning.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg