South African spinner Keshav Maharaj has given credit to Sourav Ganguly, who is Pretoria Capitals’ head coach, for building strong team culture. Ganguly had played a key role in taking Pretoria Capitals to success in the previous season of SA20.

The Capitals ended the previous season as runners-up after suffering a six-wicket loss against Sunrisers Eastern Cape. Ganguly was named the head coach of the Pretoria Capitals last year, taking over the coaching baton from Jonathan Trott.

“I think in tournaments like this, you have got to build a nice team culture around everything and Sourav was amazing at that. We had a lot of guys that bought into what we tried to achieve,” Maharaj was quoted as saying in a release.

“Often during the competition, when we were not playing, we would get in the team room, have dinner together, watch other games and chat cricket. There was a real buzz and energy within the camp, which was a privilege to be a part of,” Maharaj added.

The Capitals will begin their campaign against Sunrisers Eastern Cape in a rematch of last season’s final. Maharaj said they want to start the season on a high and take their best foot forward.

“It is always going to be the case to the public (revenge), but I think it is just about putting our best foot forward. We know it is always important to start the competition really well and to do it against the defending champions would be a nice step in the right direction towards the new season,” Maharaj said.

South African former skipper Shaun Pollock has been named as the team’s assistant coach.