eKasi Challenge is back

THE popular Momentum eKasi Challenge is back and will be played at the South’s doorstep when it heads to Soweto Cricket Oval.

The table is set for the fourth edition with near neighbours bizhub Highveld Lions, the proud holder of the title for three consecutive years, and Multiply Titans ready to take each other on. The Titans will be looking to overturn the apple cart this year when they face the Lions on their “home turf”. The match will take place on Wednesday, September 7, at the Soweto Cricket Oval in Elkah from 09:30.

“We are playing the Titans on my home grounds and will not disappoint the local community,” said bizhub Highveld Lions head coach Geoffrey Toyana. “This year will be full of expectation as we are preparing for the season ahead and the players have had a tough few months of off-season preparations, and I think they are ready for action.”

Traditionally used as a pre-season warm up match, these keen and close rivals will make sure they show up to highlight the very best of their skills and talent to inspire youngsters and enthral new fans. The intention of the challenge is to take the excitement of professional cricket to new audiences so the matches alternate between hosts and venues. And with a 3-0 track record there is definitely plenty on the line for both the Lions and the Titans.

As in previous years the host team and sponsors Momentum use the occasion as a chance to engage with the local community. This year the Lions team will be hosting a series of meet and greet opportunities with fans in Soweto. Each year Momentum, the Lions and the Titans have contributed to the improvement of local grounds, facilities like clubhouses and skills development of local administrators.

Local communities have been delighted by the professional teams taking the time to bring cricket into their communities. Aaron Phangiso, who has played for Northerns and the Lions, started his cricket career playing in Soshanguve, and Protea Eddie Leie from Ikageng in North West, are great examples of home-grown talent. Lions coach Geoffrey Toyana from Soweto has also been a great example of making a career out of cricket.

At the heart of the Momentum eKasi Challenge is the goal of developing cricket at a grassroots level and using sport as a nation builder and a metaphor for life skills and positive empowerment in our communities. Inspiring youngsters to see cricket as an option is part of the process of creating and finding new pools of talent.

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