Nackerdien said the fact that many of the practices had been completed indoors, it made life challenging for Western Province, but they will benefit from the two warm-up games against Northerns outdoors on Wednesday.
Nackerdien said he deliberately wanted Mgijima to open in order to broaden his player experience. The promotion is also a vote of confidence in the skills of Mgijima, who is a vastly experienced player, having plied his trade in first-class matches since 2007.
“He experienced a very good season, and now it is about converting those half-centuries into tons. This selection as opener is about the continuous development of Aviwe,” he said.
“It is important to produce a good base with minimal damage done to the top-order, as we have several players who can be devastating in the middle-order. We have batting depth up to number eight.
“I am very excited about our bowling attack, not only for the Africa T20 Cup, but also leading up to the first-class season,” Nackerdien added.
Emmanuel Sebareme showed his mettle in the previous edition of the Africa T20 Cup and could be a bowling ace as off-spinner for Western Province.
Yet, although Nackerdien is very optimistic, the top-order will ensure whether the balanced and exciting Western Province advance to the semi-finals or not.
The squad is: Jean Strydom, Aviwe Mgijima, Jason Smith, Qaasim Adams (capt), Dayyaan Galiem, Carlos Koyana, Michael Loubser, Emannuel Sebareme, Travis Muller, Mpilo Njoloza, Michael Cohen, Mthiwekhaya Nabe, Luke Philander