Kleinveldt is a top-class South African bowler and a dangerous lower-order batsman. His experience with the new ball and his ability to swing and seam it in the power play will be sorely missed.
Charl Langeveldt, the Cobras bowling coach, said Lizaad Williams or Dane Paterson might be required to bowl in the death overs in tandem with Mthokozisi Shezi.
More wickets in the power play, better fielding, clinical execution of half chances, and bigger totals are areas of improvement pursued by the Cobras, said Ontong, the Cobras captain.
Asked about the role of Kieron Pollard, one of five West Indian players taking part in the Ram Slam T20 Challenge this season, Ontong emphasized the importance of making him feel right at home when he arrives in Johannesburg on Saturday.
“He is a world-class player. We will probably require him to bowl his full quota of four overs, as he is a true all-rounder. I will also have to turn my arm over. Robbie P (Robin Peterson) is not available,” said Ontong.
Asked about the threat posed by the Titans, Ontong said they are a dangerous outfit. “We owe them one and we have unfinished business,” he chirped.
The Titans romped to an emphatic 6-wicket win against the Cobras in a Momentum One Day Cup match at SuperSport Park in Centurion last Friday.
The bonus-point win obviously hurt, and Ontong is keen to atone for that loss.
The Cobras spent some time at Newlands on Friday sharpening their fielding skills as Paul Adams, the coach, urged the fielders to attack the ball on the ground with pin-point throw-ins.
Ontong wants the team to sharpen up and be clinical.
“Sensing the critical moments and taking your chances when those moments arrive are important,” he said.