Vodacom Bulls players including captain Handre Pollard, Jesse Kriel, Handre Pollard, Trevor Nyakane, Lizo Ggoboka, Hanro Liebenberg and SANParks Dumisani Dlamini announcing the initiative to honour rangers at Saturday's match in Pretoria. Pictures: ANA
The Vodacom Bulls will on Saturday pay tribute to SanParks rangers by wearing their green away strip in the upcoming Vodacom Super Rugby match against the Reds at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.
SANParks spokesperson Janine Raftopoulos: “The Vodacom Bulls have teamed up with South African National Parks and Wild Card to create awareness about the extraordinary effort that SANParks rangers put in on a daily basis, as they protect our beautiful national parks around South Africa.”
Their green away strip was designed by apparel sponsor Puma with the hope of highlighting the role of the guardians of South Africa’s precious heritage, SANParks.
SANParks CEO Fundisile Mketeni said the support from one of the biggest sports teams in South Africa would go a long way in creating awareness for conservation and our the men and women who put daily efforts.
“One of the biggest challenges to conservation in the 21st century is wildlife crime and without the help of all people, we will not halt the attack on our natural heritage. We are thankful to the Vodacom Bulls for joining the conservation effort to help conserve our natural heritage for future generations,” said Mketeni.
Several SANParks rangers, described by the Vodacom Bulls as “superheroes”, will be in attendance at the game and will also walk a lap of honour.
Vodacom Bulls captain Handrè Pollard said: “This cause is close to the players’ hearts and that they will rise to the occasion to honour our rangers who put their lives on the line to protect our heritage.
“There is nothing better for South Africans to experience than to spend time at one of our many national parks and our enjoyment of this would not be possible without the excellent work that SANParks does.
“We love playing in front of our supporters in the hallowed Vodacom Bulls jersey and we will have the privilege of facing the Reds with some of SANParks rangers in attendance, which serves as extra motivation to play our best game.”
Lots of activities have been lined up for Saturday’s match. Fans have been urged to wear their green Vodacom Bulls jersey, or something green on the day.
– African News Agency
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