Exclusive: Marco Jansen Hails Adrian Birrell’s Man-Management as Key to Sunrisers Eastern Cape’s SA20 Success

Sunrisers Eastern Cape fast bowler, Marco Jansen, revealed that coach Adrian Birrell’s communication skills with individual players and the group as a whole are the secret behind their consistent success in the SA20, as they became the first team to progress to the playoffs.

Adi’s Influence

Birrell has been with the Sunrisers Eastern Cape for the fourth consecutive season, and before each season, the coach hosts a team-building exercise, where the players go to the bush down in the Eastern Cape and build team camaraderie.

As a result, Birrell is the most decorated coach in the history of the SA20, with two trophies and a runners-up medal, and now leads the team to the playoffs, becoming the first team to do so in the ongoing fourth season of the SA20.

SportsBoom.co.za caught up with fast bowler Marco Jansen, one of the few players who have been with Birrell at Sunrisers Eastern Cape since the inaugural season.

Jansen revealed that a big part of their success boils down to Birrell’s general approach to coaching, focusing on the man behind the player and boosting each player’s confidence in their abilities. consi

“I think the main secret behind the consistency of the team is that Coach Adi stays consistent in how he communicates with every player and how he makes every player believe in himself and his ability,” Jansen told SportsBoom.co.za in an exclusive interview.

“He has a way of keeping everyone involved, whether you're playing or not playing. I think that definitely plays a big role."

“Obviously, the past four seasons, the team, whoever is new, whoever has been there, whoever has been around, everyone tries to be nice to everyone. We go out for dinner or a drink or whenever just to relax."

“And then on the field, we find a way to pull games through for the team. I think those are two reasons why we've been so consistent in the way we've been playing and also consistent in terms of winning games and all those kind of things for the Sunrisers.”

Jansen’s form

The lanky fast bowler currently sits with 52 wickets in the SA20, the second leading wicket taker in the history of the tournament, behind Ottneil Baartman, who has 57 scalps.

However, this season, Jansen has not necessarily put in a match-winning performance and is determined to do so as they head into the playoffs next week.

“I think mentally I am always in a relaxed place whenever I am playing in the SA20 and that definitely helps a lot when it comes to performances,” Jansen said.

“I haven’t put in any match-winning performances this season, but coming into the playoffs, I am going try my best to put in such a performance.”

The Friendly City

Gqeberha, or Port Elizabeth, has been undefeated in terms of the support that they bring to the iconic St. George’s Park Cricket Stadium each game.

They are by far the most vibrant fans in the country, with the St. George’s Brass Band entertaining the crowd and the players with their classic tunes.

This feat has created a deep bond between the people of The Friendly City and the players themselves.

For the players, it is important to give the people of Gqeberha something to smile about, and Jansen is no different.

The left-arm quick enjoys playing his cricket in Gqeberha.

“PE is just a wonderful place and stadium to play at,” Jansen said.

“The people love their sport down here, and they make it so much more enjoyable when they come out and support us, and I think they bring out the best in all the players.”