The Hollywoodbets Dolphins will begin their 2026/27 domestic campaign with a challenging opening fixture against the Momentum Multiply Titans at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Thursday.
The clash marks the start of the newly branded 1st Class Series, with the Division One competition offering teams a significantly expanded red-ball programme this season starting this week.
The Dolphins will be excited by the return of the experienced Keshav Maharaj who will lead the team. There are a number of players missing on national duty or in the UK.
Seamer Keith Dudgeon is currently completing his county commitments with Kent, who are pushing for promotion, but is expected to return to the Dolphins environment in the coming weeks.
Under the new structure, Dolphins head coach Quinton Friend says the increased workload is a welcome development, although managing the demands on his squad will be crucial.
“It’s obviously great that we’re playing a bit more cricket. It’s something we’ve been asking for for quite some time. But ten games in a four-day competition becomes a lot longer than what you’ve been used to.
“Sometimes playing more cricket also helps the process. When you’re playing more, you’re probably better off.”
The Dolphins have also worked hard to build greater depth during the winter, something which could prove particularly important with a number of players potentially involved with the Proteas.
“It’s always tough when you’ve got international guys out, but that provides opportunities for the broader depth of our squad. We definitely strengthened during the course of the winter.”
Friend believes patience will be required as the next generation develops, with some players potentially needing several seasons before they are ready to consistently compete at Division One level.
“That process can sometimes take three or four years to get them to a level where they’re competing against the best in Division One.”
At the same time, the Dolphins have made no secret of their ambitions. With the side regarded by Friend as one of the country's leading franchises, winning trophies remains firmly on the agenda.
“We’ve always got winning trophies in the back of our minds. When you’re one of the top three franchises in the country, which I feel we are, there’s a certain expectation.
The Dolphins head into Thursday's opener after a productive period of preparation, including a two-day team-building exercise which Friend says has brought the squad together ahead of the long season.
“It’s been a brilliant buy-in from everybody, and I must say I’m super excited for the season to kick off.”
The Titans are expected to have several Proteas available for the opening fixture, giving the Dolphins' young players an immediate opportunity to test themselves against international-quality opposition.
“The Titans are a fantastic team, obviously well coached and well drilled, and they’ve got a few Proteas in their environment.
“It’s important for us to focus on what we’re coming up against but not focus on the names. It’s about what’s coming your way, watching every ball and making sure we deal with every ball in the best possible manner.”
Ultimately, Friend knows the contest will be decided by the fundamentals of four-day cricket rather than reputations.
“It’s eleven versus eleven, and whoever is best over the four days will obviously be victorious. The focus for us is to keep it as simple as possible.
“Four-day cricket is about good discipline, and we’ve put a big focus and emphasis on that.”
Newcomers to the Dolphins Ntando Zuma and Joshua Richards as well as Bandile Mbatha and Bayanda Majola are in line for a Dolphins first class debut this week should they be selected in the playing XI.
Hollywoodbets Dolphins Squad v Momentum Multiply Titans:
Keshav Maharaj (c), Tristan Luus, Hanu Viljoen, Ottniel Baartman, Bayanda Majola, Sean Gilson, Semal Pillay, Romashan Pillay, Joshua Richards, Khaya Zondo, Ntando Zuma, Bryce Parsons, Grant Roelfsen, Bandile Mbatha.