Aaron Phangiso has been confirmed as the captain for the Bizhub Highveld Lions for the Ram Slam T20 Challenge.

Phangiso, who led the team to the play-offs last year, is confident about the team's chances heading into the competition, starting wih their fixture against the Titans in Centurion on Sunday (4pm).

"We are ready for the shortest format of the game," Phangiso said yesterday.

"My team is hungry and having the likes of Kagiso Rabada, Dwaine Pretorius and Bjorn Fortuin in your bowling arsenal is a dream come true for any captain.

"Add to that the batting skills of Rassie van der Dussen, Mangaliso Mosehle and we have everything we need to challenge for silverware."

The Lions Cricket Board has been encouraged by Phangiso's performance as captain in his inaugural outing in the previous edition of the competition.

"Aaron has shown he can lead the team in a decisive and confident manner. We are confident in our decision to support him for this competition," said Lions chairman, Monyane Nkagisang.

Head coach Geoffrey Toyana is excited by the young players in the squad, such as Ryan Rickelton (GCB Strikers) and Janneman Malan (NW Dragons) .

"The development pipeline of the Lions' shareholders is exceptionally strong and we are spoiled for choice. These players are showing a lot of promise and we look forward to giving them the opportunity to showcase their skills," Toyana said.

Squad

Aaron Phangiso (captain), Rassie van der Dussen, Reeza Hendricks, Mangaliso Mosehle, Dwaine Pretorius, Nicholas van der Berg, Wiaan Mulder, Kagiso Rabada, Marques Ackerman, Omphile Ramela, Bjorn Fortuin, Beuran Hendricks, Hardus Viljoen, Ryan Rickleton, Wihan Lubbe, Carmi le Roux and Janneman Malan.