Franchise bids farewell to young Champions League team with tough mission ahead of them

Heading to India on Sunday for the Champions League T20 as a team with no ''big'' names could be an advantage for the Dolphins.

This was the general consensus yesterday when the ranchise had their season launch, and bade farewell to the squad of 15 destined for battle in India, the tournament running from September 13 to October 4.

This is the Dolphin''s reward for winning last season''s domestic Ram Slam T20 competition, and while they have a young, talented squad, there are no illusions that the mission ahead is no easy task.

KZN cricket Union (KZNCU) president Faez Jaffer encouraged the squad by saying ''It''s an honour for the Dolphins to play in the Champions League in India.  I am confident the team are well prepared, under great leadership, and will be underestimated at the opposition''s peril.''

the build-up to the tournament has seen the squad undergo an intense off-season programme, focusing on physical and mental fitness.Last season''s trophy, the first in eight years, has given the franchise their administration, coaches and players renewed belief that competitions can be won and if player''s skills and talents are use wisely, there is no reason to fall short.

KZNCU''s outgoing chief executive officer, Jesse Chellan, summed it up best.  ''Back in 2010, when Graham Ford was Dolphin''s coach, we sat down and set our own BHAG - Big hairy Audacious Goal - which was to win the Champions League,'' he said.  ''We haven''t done that yet, but this is certainly a step in the right direction.  We are one of 10 teams competing, and we have the ability, desire and confidence to be a respected outfit at the tournament.''

Before the announcement of the squad for India, Dolphin''s players Cameron Delport, Khaya Nondo, Sibs Makhanya, Cody Chetty and Keshav Maharaj, with the help of some models, displayed the new Dolphins kit for the season.

''It''s represents where we come from,'' said Chellan.  ''It has a Zulu shield, a horn dappled sides which represent Nguni cattle skin, and lines which represent the waves of Durban.''

''Our coach (Lance Klusener) tasked us with finding something fresh, with a new look and I think we have passed the test.''

Besides the Champions League squad, the Dolphins announced their contracted players for the 2014/15 season.

Jonathan Vandiar, who had a wretched season last time around, is ready to begin on a clean slate, and youngsters Daryn Dupavillon, Makhanya and all-rounder Andile Phelukwayo have also been included.  It''s a squad of bibrant youth mixed with solid leadership from captain Morner van Wyk, supported by a bunch of seasoned first-class cricket players.

Klusener, after last season''s success, has clear goals for the months ahead.  ''i will say it up front - we want to win every domestic trophy on offer.  We must carry on doing what we have been doing, but we must do things better.''

David Miller, Kyle Abbott, Ryan McLaren and Imran Tahir are in the Dolphins squad for the season, but are Cricket South Africa-contracted players.

Shoaib Moosa - Willowton Group

''It''s with great pride and joy that we, as sponsors, see the Dolphins travelling to India.  The team has developed into a respected force within a short time.  Greatness comes to those who wait.''