Johannesburg - Despite winning the title last season the best is yet to come for the Dolphins, according to captain Morné van Wyk ahead of his side's opening domestic T20 challenge game against the Lions at the Wanderers on Sunday.
The Dolphins held their nerve to edge out the Cobras by two runs in the final on their home turf in Cape Town last season, and Van Wyk's side will be itching to prove they are once again strong contenders.
“Last season was a great experience and it was nice to create a winning habit among the boys down in Durbs (Durban),” said Van Wyk.
“I know we won last year but we were still learning how to win, and I feel our best cricket is still to come.”
With Van Wyk boasting the leading batting average of 176.5 in the domestic one-day cup - which is taking a break for the T20 competition - the aggressive opening batsman said he was keen to keep his form going.
The competition has a notable Caribbean flavour to it with five of the six franchises securing West Indies players.
The Dolphins, however, will be without Dwayne Bravo for the first match which could put them at a disadvantage.
The Lions, meanwhile will have the services of Chris Gayle at the top of the order.
Neil McKenzie, captain of the Lions for the T20 competition, said any side in the tournament could be in the running for top honours.
“T20 is everyone's game. It breaks up the season quite nicely, we've had both one-day games and four-day games,” said McKenzie.
“With six quality franchises anyone can take the trophy.”
The Lions won the T20 title just two seasons ago, but last season acquired the unenviable accolade of finishing bottom of the log in all three domestic competitions.
McKenzie, however, said his side had moved on since last season. Third on the current one-day cup log after six games would indicate marked improvement, he said.
“We at the Lions have done well the last couple of years, last season was just a bit of a hiccup.
“Our side has a really good chance, we've been there before and we've won it. The hunger is there and we've got some quality players. We've got real pace up front that can strike. We've got some wily spinners in the middle and our death bowling is improving.”
The Lions and the Dolphins clash in the final match of a triple header at the ground on the day, with the Knights first up against the Warriors before the Cobras and the Titans do battle.
Warriors captain Colin Ingram said his charges would be hoping to notch up a few wins early in the campaign.
“Everyone looks for that winning blueprint, and once you find it you just take it one game at a time,” said Ingram.
“We've got a good group of players and we're always dangerous. I'm looking at a bunch of guys that really want to win. We've been training really hard and are probably fitter than we've ever been. The guys are just keen to get stuck in.”
The Warriors were the only franchise unable to secure a West Indian name on their books but instead have South African-born wicketkeeper batsman Craig Kieswetter.
The two form teams in the one-day cup clash when the Titans take on the Cobras. The Cobras are top of the log in the 50-over competition, and the Titans, though fourth, notched up two wins in a row going into the break.
Trinidad's Kieron Pollard, meanwhile, is a huge signing for the Cobras.
Titans captain Henry Davids expected his side to be top contenders in the competition.
“In the past we've been really good in the shorter formats, we have a lot of match-winners,” said Davids.
“On the day it takes two guys to come off, and we have more than two.”
At their disposal, the Titans will have West Indian Darren Sammy who on his day could prove to be a match-winner.
Sapa