Momentum eKasi Challenge heads to the South

BRAMFISCHERVILLE Sports Complex will play host to the second Momentum eKasi Challenge match next month, when the bizhub Highveld Lions host The Unlimited Titans in what has now become an annual pre-season clash.

“Both teams enjoy playing in the Challenge match and utilise this as developing cricket in the townships,” said Danie van den Bergh, head of Brand at Momentum, “We are proud that our sponsorship and association with cricket in South Africa gives us the opportunity to expose more people to top level professional cricket on pitches closer to home. This gives youngsters a chance to be inspired by top players and their sporting greats. As with last year, we are again happy to be part of the team refurbishing the sports grounds so that long after the match is finished, we will have left behind something of value for this community.”

The Momentum eKasi Challenge match will be played at Dobsonville Oval Friday August 22.

In preparation for the match players from the Lions and volunteers from the Mighty Hearts, Momentum’s staff volunteers programme, will roll up their sleeves to repaint and refurbish the clubhouse at the Dobsonville Oval for Mandela Day on Friday July 18. The pitch will also receive attention in preparation for a match at this level.

The upgrade of the clubhouses will make a meaningful impact as the facilities are utilised by the local community and schools in the area. Apart from a fresh lick of paint, the change rooms, bathrooms and showers will be spruced up and retiled and a leaky roof repaired.

Initiated last year, the eKasi Challenge was created as a way for three major cricket brands, the Lions and Titans franchises and sponsor Momentum, to join forces to bring professional cricket to the community, and to actively support cricket development at grassroots level. As last year, players are not charging match fees and are giving freely of their time.

Last year’s hosts, the Titans, hosted the inaugural match at the Mamelodi Oval outside Pretoria. The challenge is held annually, with the venue alternating between a Pretoria and Johannesburg township.

This year Lions’ head coach Geoffrey Toyana will have everything to play for. Not only are the Lions defending their title, but Toyana hails from Soweto so a win on his home turf will be unprecedented and a double reward.

The bizhub Highveld Lions have had six weeks of focussed pre-season preparation for the coming season and the team is looking good to compete in this season opener.

Chris Scott, Head Groundsman of the Bidvest Wanderers Stadium, will also be preparing the playing facilities for the match alongside the groundstaff at Dobsonville Cricket Oval.

Momentum’s sponsorship means that entrance on match day will be free and everyone will be welcome. Close to 1 000 school children will be attending the match. The match starts at 10:00 and gates will be open from 09:00.