Proteas receive great send-off to 2015 ICC World Cup
Proteas march on to the ICC 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
CRICKET South Africa (CSA) hosted a big send-off for the Proteas at Melrose Arch on Tuesday February 4 ahead of their International Cricket Council (ICC) 2015 World Cup in Australasia.
The ICC 2015 World Cup will commence on Saturday February 14. Castle Lager Proteas will take on Zimbabwe on Sunday February 15. But there will be no love lost between the ICC world teams as they do battle for this coveted trophy.
“I know that we haven’t won a ICC World Cup, but we will take each game as they come along and will do our best,” said One Day International captain AB de Villiers. “Zimbabwe cannot be underestimated and we will do battle with them as we do with the rest of the teams.”
“You must go out there and do South Africa proud and win,” said Minister of Sport and Recreation Mr Fikile Mbalula. “If this is the time for you, then take it and bring back the trophy to South Africa.”
“We all love the Proteas and this will be our last chance to see them before they depart to Australasia for the World Cup,” said CSA Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat.
“The past year has shown us what this team is really made of and why we are so proud of AB and his team representing South Africa on the biggest stage. I am sure that all South Africans will unite behind the Proteas and join us to create a perfect send-off for the squad,” added Lorgat.
“The most important element to come out of our Protea Fire culture is the realisation that we play for 50 million South Africans. The fan support has been incredible over the summer at home and has really made us feel privileged to be representing such a passionate nation,” commented De Villiers.
“Every player in the squad will give their 100 per cent to try and bring that World Cup trophy back. The messages of support and encouragement around the country have been overwhelming, and we want nothing more than to win that trophy for the fans and supporters. It will be extra special for us as a team to be given a fan send-off, and will no doubt get our World Cup campaign started on the right note,” De Villiers concluded.
Fans are encouraged to wear their proudly South African colours on every Friday and Inspire #ProteaFire.
