Former Proteas batsman AB de Villiers has been named the Tshwane Spartans captain for the inaugural Mzansi Super League.

De Villiers was named the Spartans’ marquee Proteas player earlier this year and will lead a squad laden with international talents Eoin Morgan, Lungi Ngidi, Robbie Frylinck, Jeevan Mendis, Theunis de Bruyn, Rory Kleinveldt, Gihahn Cloete, Dean Elgar and others.

‘It’s a huge honour to captain this team in the first Mzansi Super League,’ said De Villiers.

‘I’m really excited to work with this group of players. There’s a lot of talent, with a great balance between youth and experience.

‘Even though we’re missing out on a few players that aren’t available yet, we still have a fantastic balance in the side. There’s good skill right through, with batting depth all the way down to No 9, which isn’t normally the case with T20 cricket.

‘I’m excited about our bowlers as well. There’s lots of experience with a number of guys who have done this day in and day out and a couple of wrist-spinners, with the option to go right or left-arm orthodox, so there are lots of variations.

‘I try to lead from the front and rely on the experience I’ve picked up over the years. I believe I’m a decent man manager when it comes to understanding players’ strengths and weaknesses. I’m looking forward to it. It’s an exciting challenge and I’m ready for it.’

The Spartans will meet the Cape Town Blitz in the tournament opener at Newlands on Friday.

Photo: Richard Huggard/Gallo Images