e-Kasi Challenge back in Mamelodi
The matches alternate between hosts, the Lions and the Titans, and between being held on either teams ‘home’ turf in Pretoria (Mamelodi) or Johannesburg (Soweto). This year the eKasi Challenge is being held in Mamelodi at the Mamelodi Oval on Wednesday 9 September 2015.
The idea of the eKasi Challenge is to bring professional cricket to local, township ovals to encourage a new fan base. At the very heart of the eKasi Challenge is the intention of developing the sport at a grassroots level and using sports as a tool for initiating life-skills training and to inspire township youth.
As in previous years the host team, and sponsors Momentum use the occasion as an opportunity to engage with the local community and especially with schools in the area, prior to the mach. The Lions and volunteers from Momentum will be visiting local schools with a fun and interactive life-skills programme a few days before the match.
Rob Walter, The Unlimited Titans head coach, commented: “Once again it is great to be playing the eKasi Cup in Mamelodi, aside from it being our home turf, the way the teams were received the last time we were here and the energy with which the game was supported was awesome to be part of. As a team we want to continually grow the game in the emerging markets and give our fans something to cheer about and to that end we hope we can keep the trophy in Pretoria this year.”
The inaugural eKasi Challenge prepared the grounds and pitch for professional play, so match conditions should be conducive for robust and competitive play.
The upgrades are intended to make a meaningful contribution as the facilities are utilised by the local community and schools in the area. The hope is that with initiatives like the eKasi Challenge there will be an enduring interest and steady flow of talent moving up the ranks from grassroots level to club and franchise teams, over time.
A group of local ladies who regularly use the Mamelodi Oval facilities to exercise, have formed a choir with the express purpose to perform the national anthem at the eKasi Challenge.
The Lions coach, Geoffrey Toyana, commented: “This event has become a highlight in the bizhub Highveld Lions calendar and we are looking forward to defending our unbeaten run when we return to Mamelodi this year. As a team, this reminds us that cricket is so much bigger than any of us and is a small way of promoting the game to new markets and ensuring that it continues to grow.”
Local communities have been fascinated and delighted by the professional teams taking the time to bring cricket into their communities. Aaron Phangiso, who has played for the Northerns and the Lions started his cricket career playing in Soshanguve, and he and fellow Protea Eddie Leie are great examples of genuine talent that started in the townships. Lions coach Geoffrey Toyana hails from Soweto.
Bringing the tournament to Mamelodi and Soweto also gives people the chance to identify with and be inspired by role models such as Phangiso, Leie, Temba Bavuma and Kagiso Rabada who are all current Proteas plus Lonwabo Tsotsobe who has just come off a successful South African A tour to India after a long period sidelined by injury.
Momentum’s sponsorship means that entrance on match day is free and everyone is welcome. Close to 1,000 school children, including those that were part of the life-skills outreach programme will be attending the match.
In conclusion Danie van den Bergh, head of Momentum Brand, said: “We’re into our fourth year of sponsoring all one-day cricket and our third year of the eKasi Challenge.
The sponsorship has been good for Momentum, but irrespective of the benefits we enjoy, whatever we do, we want to go beyond using cricket to merely showcase our brand. Taking our purpose of financial wellness to all South Africans, fits with our intention of taking professional cricket into communities. We don’t only take cricket to Mamelodi, we view this as taking opportunities to the people of Mamelodi – showcasing the best and unlocking human potential.”
The match will be played on Wednesday 09 September 2015 and will be televised live on SuperSport. The match starts at 09h30 and gates will be open from 09h00.Bring your family, friends, neighbours and enjoy the day.
Jacasport