We weren’t prepared for this. We really thought the winning momentum and the confidence from the previous game will take us through. But there was nothing lacking in the fight MI Cape Town put up on the field out there in front of the Newlands Faithful, who’ve showed up in huge numbers game after game. 

The fact that we’ve lost at least five close games in the tournament is a hard pill to swallow. And our Head Coach, Robin Peterson, agreed it was the difference at the end. “Losing close games has been the tale of the season. We haven’t been able to get over the line in any of the close games. It’s hard to explain. We know where the margins are, and unfortunately we repeated errors, which cost us in the end,” he said at the post-match press conference following the four-wicket defeat to the Pretoria Capitals in the final league game at Cape Town on Saturday (February 3). 

We thought we were 20 runs short. 20 runs is three shots away from winning the game. I’m sure we could have found it somewhere in the powerplay off a guy like Will Jacks bowling off-spin. 18 runs in three overs in the powerplay is hard to take sometimes. Disappointing that we couldn’t get over the line.”

But a look back at these ten games will throw up a number of positives. From captain Polly’s stellar onfield leadership, to the amazing consistency of our openers, to the discovery of form by young Dewald Brevis, to Thomas Kaber and George Linde strangling oppositions, to our quicks turning up the heat; there’s been a lot for us to cheer about.  

“As a combination, Rassie (van der Dussen) and Ryan (Rickelton) got us to consistent starts, which is all you can ask of your openers. But I have to compliment Ryan, he went to another level because he is open minded. At his age, he’s played a lot of cricket, to have an open mind and to try and improve and actually execute and implement, I can’t compliment high enough in terms of what he’s achieved in this tournament. The next best batsman is 150 runs behind him. He’s been outstanding, willing to learn. He had to take a few knocks on the chin after last season, but he has come back better, and hopefully he can go on from strength to strength,” Peterson said. 

“DB has been part of winning teams with the MI brand before in the MLC. We saw he was able to find his feet at the end. Pity that there are no more games for us. He has got to enjoy his cricket too. He’s only 21. He’s learning, he’s developing, and has a long way to go. The experience will need to catch up with the talent, which will happen in the next two years. I have no doubt that he will be one of the best players in the world. “

For now, looking back at the learnings can wait. The season analysis can wait. We’re allowed to be sad today. And our coach says the same. 

“The reflection process if still raw at the moment. At the moment you have to have a grieving process, be sad first, before you can start coming up with solutions. We’ll just enjoy each others’ company tonight. It could be the last time. You never know, life is short and this is professional sport, so let’s celebrate the good times we had. But realistic, we didn’t achieve what we came here to do.”

It's been a wonderful month full of new experiences and of people rolling back the clock. And until next year, stronger, better, it’s time we thank the best fans in the world. Thank you, Kaapstad!