Fleming's Joburg Super Kings to rely heavily on Faf, hope to transfer IPL-winning ways in SA

The Joburg Super Kings will be relying heavily on former Proteas captain Faf du Plessis, coach Stephen Fleming admitted following Monday's SA20 auction.

Du Plessis was pre-signed for the Joburg franchise, as he returns to the Super Kings after being part of the Indian Premier League (IPL) title-winning Chennai Super Kings for over eight years.

The Joburg Super Kings made a few notable signings, including Reeza Hendricks, Janneman Malan, Kyle Verreynne and uncapped Donavon Ferreira.

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Fleming, who has won four IPL and two Champions League T20 titles, will bank on Du Plessis' experience ahead of the inaugural SA20 set for January 2023.

"He was very influential in the auction, he is currently in the West Indies. We were able to squeeze some quality time with him, which was good," Fleming told reporters on Monday.

"His influence is going to be strong and leadership is important in franchise cricket. So to have a local, respected captain, and who has had a good period of time at the top, we see it as very valuable."

One of the most drama-filled moments occurred in the 'eXXpress round' when uncapped Titans batter Ferreira found himself in a bidding war.

Ferreira, who started at a base price of R175 000, went on to fetch a whopping R5.5 million as he became the subject of an intense battle between the Super Kings and Pretoria Capitals.

The Capitals wanted to go over the intended mark but didn't have enough money left to fill out the rest of their squad, and had to relinquish their bid to the Joburg franchise.

"I know he made my heart beat, I thought he was going to be a nice and easy buy. He is an exciting option," said Fleming.

"The research shows