The Titans will get the 2018-19 season underway with their home encounter against the Dolphins on Wednesday.

Overview

The Titans are the team to beat as they look to retain their 2017-18 title. The star-studded team are favourites to win it again due to the strength and depth of the squad. With Mark Boucher at the helm for his third season, one can expect more of the aggressive and exciting cricket that has propelled the team to so much success, as well as plenty of youngsters getting opportunities throughout the campaign.

Last Season

The Titans narrowly pipped the Warriors to the title thanks to their victory during the final round of fixtures. In a season with a lot more draws than results, they were able to secure enough points with their batting and bowling outings to win the title by a 1.52-point margin.

Player Arrivals

Theunis de Bruyn returns to the Titans after a successful spell at the Knights (which saw him get a call-up to the Proteas). Tshepo Moreki also changes his colours as he moves from the tutelage of ex-Protea Ashwell Prince at the Cape Cobras, to Boucher at the Titans. Both additions will be keen to make their mark in an already impressive setup of senior players and youngsters.

Player Exits

The Titans lost the services of Malusi Siboto to their bitter rivals the Highveld Lions but will be buoyed by the fact that they have plenty of veteran players, as well as youngsters waiting in the pipeline.

Players to Watch

Andile Makwetu has secured a Titans contract after an impressive display at club and amateur level, as well as the junior international stage during the U19 World Cup. He joins the likes of Corbin Bosch – who is currently struggling with an injury – and Eldred Hawken (who regularly bowls at 140+) as the youngsters to watch throughout this season. Moreki will also have a point to prove after an injury-riddled 2017-18 season at the Cobras.

Prediction

Most would put their money on the Titans claiming the title once again this season but, with a heavily-packed domestic and international summer coming up, it will all depend on how Boucher handles the squad rotation and lack of availability of certain players. No doubt they have the players to win it, but it will all depend on how the young talent steps up when the senior players are on tour.

Photo: Chris Ricco/BackpagePix