The end of 2018 was a challenging period for the Multiply Titans as a franchise, with slim returns in the Four-day Franchise Series.

It was a period that needed character to emerge from.

“After several, highly successful seasons, our character was tested on the field this season. That is how professional sport works,” Titans CEO Dr Jacques Faul reflected.

The Titans now sit atop the Momentum One-day Cup (MODC) standings, as they head into the decisive part of the competition.

“There were several injuries, and national call-ups. But depth is fundamental to the Titans way, and it has been encouraging to see younger players put their hands up.”

There have also been some emphatic contributions from senior players, especially the returning Proteas.

“That is what we expect from our national players. We pride ourselves on their achievements, and they also inspire the next generation,” Faul said of the likes of Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram and Chris Morris.

While the franchise team is handily placed to push for a spot in the MODC final, the Northerns Senior Provincial side is already there, having secured a place in the national 50-over final.

“It is a tough competition, and requires a high level of consistency. Those Northerns players are putting themselves in line for future MODC caps,” Faul pointed out.

That next generation of players also includes the Academy, which recently went unbeaten at the National Academy Week in Oudtshoorn.

“That is very encouraging to see, because those are our future Titans. The pinnacle can only be successful if the foundations are in place,” Faul said of the pipeline.

As the 2018/19 campaign nears it’s conclusion, Faul has plenty of reasons to be optimistic.

“Our job as a franchise and provinces is to provide opportunities and pathways for excellence. At all levels.

“The current standing of our teams in various competitions and levels of the game emphasises that we are on the right track. But the job is far from over,” Faul added.