Nelson Mandela Legacy Cup Launched
The Springboks and Blue Label Telecoms Proteas will go head-to-head in the Nelson Mandela Legacy Cup T20 match at the Bidvest Wanderers Stadium on 5 December 2014.
The South African Rugby Union (SARU) and Cricket South Africa (CSA) will partner with the Nelson Mandela Foundation to bring fans another unique encounter on the first anniversary of the passing away of our beloved former President, Nelson Mandela.
Various fundraising initiatives will take place on the day with proceeds going to the Nelson Mandela Foundation.
“The passing of Madiba affected all South Africans and left us with a duty to continue his legacy,” said SARU CEO Jurie Roux.
“He worked tirelessly to bring people together from different communities and, in a small way, this sporting celebration of his contribution to South Africa does that in a symbolic way. The fact that a donation will be made to his Foundation is our contribution to continuing that work.
“The Springboks really enjoyed last year’s encounter and I know that meetings of the selectors have already taken place.”
CSA Chief Executive, Haroon Lorgat, said: “We all remember the excitement at last year’s match between the Proteas and Springboks in Cape Town when a sell-out crowd enjoyed the rivalry between these two national teams.
“With this match eagerly anticipated by sports fans around the country, we are expecting the same enjoyment from fans who will make their way to the Bidvest Wanderers Stadium.
“With two of our best national sports teams meeting each other, I can’t think of a better way to honour one of the world’s greatest leaders. This will be another memorable day for all South Africans,” added Lorgat.
The Springbok and Proteas Team Management have agreed to field their best available players for the match.
Sello Hatang, Chief Executive of the Nelson Mandela Foundation, looked forward to the match and said: “Nelson Mandela’s legacy has created the opportunity for us to achieve a bright future. This is a journey that is our collective responsibility as active citizens and it cannot be achieved without valued partners such as CSA , SARU and the Gauteng Cricket Board. The pride, passion and tradition of sport is what connects us as individuals, families, communities and nations.
“Madiba aptly said: ‘What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others that will determine the significance of the life we lead.’ ”
“The inaugural match at Newlands last year was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone who participated and I have no doubt that this year’s match will be no different, if not better,” Proteas T20 captain, Faf du Plessis said. “The Boks were no mugs with both bat and ball and will definitely bring their A game. I think we’re in for a competitive and entertaining game of cricket. Both teams will be out to claim some bragging rights, but the bigger picture lies in honouring Madiba’s legacy; this will be a celebration of the invaluable contributions he has made to South Africa.”
Tickets for the match will go on sale on Tuesday, 11 November 2014. Tickets are available from ticketpros.co.za and range from R90-R200.
Chief Executive of the Gauteng Cricket Board, Greg Fredericks, commented: “As the GCB, we consider this a great honour and look forward to hosting this event at the Bull Ring. We received the tiding of Madiba’s passing after hosting the Proteas at the stadium last year and this match is a fitting tribute for a man that saw the power that sport had in bringing our nation together.”
Fans will also be entertained on the day by top local artists. A signing session with both teams will also take place as well as the popular Hit a Six competition.
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