Titans Cricket have extended their partnership with Hirsch’s Homestore, continuing an alliance that goes back over a decade.
The biggest home appliance and electronic dealer in South Africa has a longstanding reputation for quality and consistency, and the Titans are thrilled to be associated with such a proudly South African brand.
“Hirsch’s are known throughout this country for their consistency, and we are thrilled to continue this excellent relationship with them,” Dr Jacques Faul, the Titans CEO explained.
“It is an honour for us to still be associated with them, and we hope to keep this partnership going for a long time,” Faul added.
From Hirsch’s perspective, being aligned to South Africa’s most successful cricket team has also been hugely beneficial.
“It has been a pleasure to have a partnership with the Titans. They are an organisation which is forward-thinking. That is in their planning and in considering not only their players and spectators, but also their sponsors at all times,” founder Allan Hirsch enthused.
“The Titans always consider other people and I believe when you are in business, trading on the sales floor or in the sporting environment, if you give customer service, knowledge and enjoyment, it is a pleasure to work with a brand like this.”
Hirsch’s has been a loyal supporter of Titans cricket over the years, and the founder added that they had always felt part of every evolution of the franchise.
“They ensure we always feel like we are part of the team and when teams feel included, they are inclined to perform better. I feel longevity has come from everything they have given, and not necessarily what we give,” he added.
Faul echoed Hirsch’s sentiments, explaining that sponsors like these make success on the field possible.
“We say it often, but we really consider ourselves very fortunate to work with such wonderful brands and, more importantly, people. I consider Allan and his team as members of the Titans family,” Faul concluded.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
HOBART: Rain played spoilsport as the Proteas were forced to settle for a point from a bizarre opening contest of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup against Zimbabwe in Hobart on Monday.
Persistent showers at the Bellerive Oval meant that play only got underway over two-and-a-half hours after the toss with the match reduced to nine overs per side.
After the Zimbabweans posted 79 for five, the South Africans, inspired by a dazzling 18-ball 47 from Quinton de Kock, responded with a brutal 51 for none in three overs chasing a revised target of 64 in seven.
But with just 13 required, the rain hammering down and umpires Ahsan Raza and Michael Gough having done everything possible to give the game a chance of being completed, the elements ultimately had the final say.
It means that both teams walked away with a point apiece and had plenty to do if they wanted to progress to the semi-finals.
The Proteas, who have a history of cruel luck when it comes to rain at World Cups, would have been optimistic of a positive start to the Super 12 stages of the competition against a Zimbabwe side ranked much lower than them in the world rankings.
However, some of that hope would have quickly evaporated when they got the ground with so much of rain lurking on Monday.
After waiting around for most part of the evening, good news finally arrived when the wet weather temporarily abated allowing of a T9 to be played. Zimbabwe had won the toss and opted to bat first, but they found themselves in a deep hole early on when they slipped to 19 for four.
The outstanding Wayne Parnell (1/6) and Lungi Ngidi (2/20) were the chief destroyers, before Wessly Madhevere (35 not out off 18 balls) helped the men in red recover to set a target of 80. There was also a wicket for Anrich Nortje, who was also superb with 1/10.
De Kock crunched 23 off the first over of the reply when he clubbed four boundaries and a six off Tendai Chatara, but two balls later rain forced the players off the field.
Four more boundaries by the wicketkeeper from the over bowled by Richard Ngarava meant the Proteas were flying towards that revised target at 40 for none after two overs.
Captain Temba Bavuma (2 not out), a spectator for the first two overs, finally faced a ball at the start of the third over sent down by Sikandar Raza in which 11 were conceded to see the South Africans race closer to the target.
However, rain intervened once more as the over concluded leaving the Proteas frustrated with the outcome of a no result in Hobart.
They next play Bangladesh in Sydney on Thursday.
South Africa squad - ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Australia 2022
Temba Bavuma (captain, DP World Lions), Quinton de Kock (Momentum Multiply Titans), Reeza Hendricks (DP World Lions), Marco Jansen (Gbets Warriors), Heinrich Klaasen (Momentum Multiply Titans), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), David Miller (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Anrich Nortje (Gbets Warriors), Wayne Parnell (Six Gun Grill Western Province), Kagiso Rabada (DP World Lions), Rilee Rossouw (ITEC Knights), Tabraiz Shamsi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Tristan Stubbs (Gbets Warriors).
South Africa Group Stage Itinerary
Monday, 24 October – 19:00 (10:00 SAST)
South Africa vs Zimbabwe ended in a no result – Bellerive Oval, Hobart
Thursday, 27 October – 14:00 (05:00 SAST)
South Africa vs Bangladesh – SCG, Sydney
Sunday, 30 October – 19:00 (13:00 SAST)
India vs South Africa – Perth Stadium, Perth
Thursday, 03 November – 19:00 (10:00 SAST)
Pakistan vs South Africa – SCG, Sydney
Sunday, 06 November – 10:30 (02:00 SAST)
South Africa vs Netherlands – Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
The Momentum Multiply Titans are looking forward to kickstarting their 2022/23 season with a strong push for the CSA T20 Challenge. The Sky Blues have enjoyed a productive pre-season campaign, including several team-building sessions, and they are ready to hit the ground running.
“Every new season is an opportunity to do great things as a team, and we are very excited for this campaign,” coach Mandla Mashimbyi explained.
The T20 Challenge is an early chance for silverware, and there is a lot of excitement in the Titans ranks, especially after a dramatic SA20 auction saw many of the Sky Blues scooped up by franchises.
“It is a great time to be a professional cricketer in this country. Young guns like Donovan Ferreira and Dewald Brevis have seen their lives changed, and that kind of excitement bodes well for the entire squad. Sometimes we all need reminding of just how this game can transform lives,” Mashimbyi added.
In the spirit of new beginnings, the Titans have also made Sibonelo Makhanya the club captain for the season. This comes after he led the team with aplomb in the 50-over competition last season.
“Sibz is a wonderful team man, and someone who has made the most of his opportunities since moving to SuperSport Park. It is very encouraging to see him take to leadership so well, and also to see the support he has enjoyed from the rest of the squad,” Mashimbyi concluded.
Momentum Multiply Titans Squad for CSA T20 Challenge: Sibonelo Makhanya (capt), Theunis de Bruyn, Neil Brand, Aaron Phangiso, Dean Elgar, Corbin Bosch, Aya Gqamane, Dayyaan Galiem, Donovan Ferreira, Junior Dala, Jiveshen Pillay, Simon Harmer, Dewald Brevis, Matthew Boast, Musa Twala.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
Johannesburg: Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) National Selection Committee has today named Marco Jansen in the 15-man squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia.
The 22-year-old bowler replaces the injured Dwaine Pretorius after he was ruled out due to a fracture sustained to his left thumb during the recent T20 International series against India.
Momentum Multiply Titans paceman Lizaad Williams has been called up to replace Jansen amongst the travelling reserves.
South Africa squad - ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Australia 2022
Temba Bavuma (captain, DP World Lions), Quinton de Kock (Momentum Multiply Titans), Reeza Hendricks (DP World Lions), Marco Jansen (Gbets Warriors), Heinrich Klaasen (Momentum Multiply Titans), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), David Miller (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Anrich Nortje (Gbets Warriors), Wayne Parnell (Six Gun Grill Western Province), Kagiso Rabada (DP World Lions), Rilee Rossouw (ITEC Knights), Tabraiz Shamsi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Tristan Stubbs (Gbets Warriors).
Travelling Reserves
Bjorn Fortuin (DP World Lions), Andile Phehlukwayo (Hollywoodbets Dolphins) and Lizaad Williams (Momentum Multiply Titans).
Picture: Sajjad HUSSAIN/AFP
Management
Mark Boucher (Head Coach), Khomotso Volvo Masubelele (Team Manager), Charl Langeveldt (Bowling Coach), Justin Ontong (Fielding Coach), Justin Sammons (Batting Coach), Rivash Gobind (Performance Analyst), Craig Govender (Physiotherapist), Tumi Masekela (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Dr Hashendra Ramjee (Team Doctor), Lucy Davey (Media Manager), Kyle Botha (Masseur), Zunaid Wadee (Security).
South Africa Itinerary - ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Australia 2022 (all times local)
Warm-up matches
Monday, 17 October – 14:00 (06:00 SAST)
New Zealand v South Africa – Allan Border Field, Brisbane
Wednesday, 19 October – 18:00 (10:00 SAST)
Bangladesh v South Africa – Allan Border Field, Brisbane
Group Stage matches
Monday, 24 October – 19:00 (10:00 SAST)
South Africa vs Qualifier B1 - Bellerive Oval, Hobart
Thursday, 27 October – 14:00 (05:00 SAST)
South Africa vs Bangladesh – SCG, Sydney
Sunday, 30 October – 19:00 (13:00 SAST)
India vs South Africa – Perth Stadium, Perth
Thursday, 03 November – 19:00 (10:00 SAST)
Pakistan vs South Africa – SCG, Sydney
Sunday, 06 November – 10:30 (02:00 SAST)
South Africa vs Qualifier A2 – Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Semi-finals
First semi-final
Wednesday, 9 November – 19:00 (10:00 SAST)
TBD vs TBD – SCG, Sydney
Second semi-final
Thursday, 10 November – 18:30 (10:00 SAST)
TBD vs TBD Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
Final
Sunday, 13 November – 19:00 (10:00 SAST)
TBD vs TBD – MCG, Melbourne
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
DELHI: Proteas coach Mark Boucher was not overly concerned after their tour to India ended in disappointment on Tuesday when they lost the decisive third One-Day International (ODI) in Delhi.
The seven-wicket defeat at the Arun Jaitley Stadium meant that South Africa surrendered a 1-0 series lead to lose the three-match sequence 2-1. They were also beaten by the same margin in the T20 International (T20I) series against the hosts a few days earlier.
Boucher, who was leading the Proteas for the final time in a bilateral series before stepping down, explained that the there were many reasons for the results.
“I think it took us some time to get use to the conditions,” he said. “We didn't arrive early enough but there were reasons for that as well. The first game was pretty difficult to be judged by but I think we got better as we went on there. I think there were little moments in games, especially in the one-day format that we let ourselves down.
“In the last game we just didn't rock up. We had a few soft dismissals up front which put us under pressure, I think India bowled really well as well, they bowled with good aggression and intent, which lead to our downfall.
“Overall we do understand though, and I said it before we left, we need to try and play this series and obviously try and win. We haven't done that but I think we've taken some good lessons and we've had some good chats behind closed doors to speak about things we can get a lot better at and I think that will stand us in good stead going forward now to Australia where conditions are completely different.
“So I just think we're okay at the moment, certainly it's disappointing to lose but we have a massive competition around the corner and that's what we're really gearing up to.”
The Proteas leave for Australia on Thursday night. Upon arrival they will set up base in Brisbane before their opening match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup against a yet-to-be-determined qualifier in Group 2 on October 24.
Boucher felt that it had been a challenging few months for his team and getting the guys to Australia in the right frame of mind was important.
“We're coming off a long tour to England then on to India and a couple of the guys were in the Caribbean (Premier) League as well,” he continued. “We don't want to get into a situation where you're rocking up for every game and it sort of seems like a league game.
“So I think keeping the guys mentally and physically fresh is going to be vital for us management and myself to monitor. Then I think we'll get the best results for our guys being really up for the World Cup games.
“Also we're going to Australia now where I think it will suit our fast bowlers a lot better. We've got some good pace, we got some good bounce in our attack so we need to keep the pressure there. The last one-day game there wasn't enough aggression. What surprised me was India’s bowling attack in the one-dayers bowled with far more aggression than ours.
“But we did chat about it and the way that Anrich (Nortje) bowled in the last game is a positive sign for me especially going into conditions where he can be quite affective.”
South Africa’s failure to win the ODI series does mean that they now face an even tougher challenge in the ICC Cricket World Cup Super League, the qualifying tournament for the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup. They are presently 11th on the table with 59 points, which is 29 points behind West Indies, who occupy the eighth and final automatic qualifying spot.
They have five matches still to play next year – two against the Netherlands and three against England – and should they fail to make the top eight, the South Africans will have to play in a qualifying tournament in Zimbabwe next June and July.
Boucher added: “It's not ideal. The reason we are in this situation is because we haven't always had continuity with our one-day team. There's been various reasons for that, players leaving to go to IPL, Covid and that type of stuff has played its part. So there had been a bit of inconsistency with regards to our one-day team and we're sort of seeing that now.
“But we know what is required and the guys will know what is required come January against England and also playing against the Netherlands. We've got to win those games and if we don't, we just have to accept the fact that we'll have to go to the qualifiers for the next World Cup, so we understand the situation we're in and we'll just have to man up and face that when it comes our way.”
South Africa ODI squad against India
Temba Bavuma (captain, DP World Lions), Quinton de Kock (Momentum Multiply Titans), Bjorn Fortuin (DP World Lions), Reeza Hendricks (DP World Lions), Heinrich Klaasen (Momentum Multiply Titans), Keshav Maharaj (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Janneman Malan (Gbets Rocks), Aiden Markram (Momentum Multiply Titans), David Miller (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Anrich Nortje (Gbets Warriors), Wayne Parnell (Six Gun Grill Western Province), Andile Phehlukwayo (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Dwaine Pretorius (North West Dragons), Kagiso Rabada (DP World Lions), Rilee Rossouw (ITEC Knights), Tabraiz Shamsi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Tristan Stubbs (Gbets Warriors).
Thursday, 6 October at 13:30
India lost to South Africa by nine runs – Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
Sunday, 9 October at 13:30
India beat South Africa by seven wickets – JSCA International Stadium Complex, Ranchi
Tuesday, 11 October at 13:30
India beat South Africa by seven wickets – Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
The best veterans cricket teams were on show at SuperSport Park on the 18th of September. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to catch the best players the province has to offer.
Headlining the afternoon was the Titans Invitational Team who demolished the team from Brits. Chasing a meagre score of 97, the Titans Invitational team chases it down thanks to the efforts of Eugene Joubert and their talisman Kevin Rademeyer.
The Titans CEO Jacques Faul stated that the day was a massive success and hoped the legacy would continue.
In Photo: Kevin Rademeyer from the Titans Invitational Team
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
The best veterans cricket teams were on show at SuperSport Park on the 18th of September. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity to catch the best players the province has to offer.
Headlining the afternoon was the Titans Invitational Team who demolished the team from Brits. Chasing a meagre score of 97, the Titans Invitational team chases it down thanks to the efforts of Eugene Joubert and their talisman Kevin Rademeyer.
The Titans CEO Jacques Faul stated that the day was a massive success and hoped the legacy would continue.
In Photo: Kevin Rademeyer from the Titans Invitational Team
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
On the 18th of September a Veteran's dream came true by playing on the hallowed turf of Supersport Park. Jeandre Van Molendorff has played cricket for several decades, however never received the chance to play on the main ground of the Titans. He has had to ply his trade away from the eyes of his loved fans.
Who will ever forget Jacques Kallis's Test Double Century, Sachin Tendulkar's 100th international century or Brian Lara dispatching Allan Donald to every corner of the ground. However on this occasion, on a hot Sunday afternoon, it was Jeandre's opportunity to pull a massive six over mid off. These memories will last a lifetime especially as it was done in front of his children, wife and friends.
His tenacity and endurance proves that dreams are never out of reach and you are never to old to realize your dreams.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
CAPTAIN NOLUSINDISO BOOI
On RWC return after eight years
"I am very proud of them, even though it was not the result we were expecting because we are coming up with a young team and they gave it all and they pushed so hard for that scoreboard. That doesn’t mean so much when you know that you gave your heart and we gave our best."
On captaining South Africa on their Rugby World Cup return
"I’m thankful for the opportunity. For me, it was a great pleasure to lead these youngsters and see them play to the last whistle and see their faces that never gave up and kept on playing."
On South Africa's performance in defeat
"Everything that we were doing great, it was giving me goosebumps. It takes me back to the previous World Cup - how bad things were - and shows that we are coming up with a better team. That scoreboard doesn’t mean anything for now, but we are looking forward to the next game."
On young players in the South Africa squad
"Each and every one who is supporting us, even back at home, they give us that support and we are really appreciative to be here and make sure that we are making our statement. For sure things won’t be the same in the next game."
A message to young girls in South Africa
"For the girls at home and the young girls who are behind us we know that we are here to make you guys proud and that we’re know that we’re here to inspire you. We’ll work so hard to make you guys proud of us."
On the 50th-minute try scored by Nomawethu Mabenge
"It was a very beautiful and nice moment for everyone - and for our supporters at home, knowing we’d been working so hard."
On the challenges of playing France
"They read our game in the second half because we had managed to stop them in front of our try-line. They analysed that and changed their plan. And also looked for the mistakes and when we made a mistake they took it as a positive. If we can be more organised and try to eliminate the mistakes, the errors, we’ll be in a better position than now."
Looking ahead to the next match against Fiji
"It will be a different challenge, but we just want to take each game as it comes. So for next week we will prepare for Fiji and make sure we give everything that we have."
COACH STANLEY RAUBENHEIMER
On his side’s performance
"Very happy with my team. From an effort point of view, we were measuring our effort. We knew what team we were playing. That first 20 minutes, if we’d done a little bit better there, who knows? Maybe a different result."
On the game plan against France
"The key thing was to keep ball. I think our first phase did very well - our backs didn’t compliment that too well today. But overall I’m pleased with the effort of our team. This was our plan, really, to give it to France and show them that they had to play against us and I think our team did it well today."
Looking ahead to the match against Fiji
"Our plan has always been to look for something against Fiji. We understand a lot of their players play in NZ club rugby. If we can replicate this performance from today from an effort point of view and just notch up on one or two things, maybe we can get a result - but I can’t ask for more than what I got today."
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
Johannesburg, 5 October 2022 – More international tennis sensations have been announced and are set to participate in Africa Cares Tennis Challenge, the biggest tennis tournament in Africa, which is set to take place on the 3rd and 4th of December 2022 at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Last week, Ten Entertainment Global Event, the organizers of the Africa Cares Tennis Challenge, announced that multiple grand slam winners Martina Hingis and Simona Halep will be participating in the event which will be hosted for the first time in South Africa this year. Today the organizers announced via their social media platforms that Ons Jabeur will also be participating in the tournament. Ons is the first female from the African continent to make a grand slam final, and number 2 in the world after Iga Swiatek.
Sloane Stephens, an American Tennis Professional who has five singles titles to her name, including her first Major at the 2017 US Open, will also be part of the line-up. The 29-year-old tennis superstar is also the founder of the Sloane Stephens Foundation with a primary goal of enhancing the quality of life for youth, through exposure to tennis as a basis for life.
The four women will be supported by South Africa’s golden boy Khololwam Montsi and German-Jamaican tennis star Dustin Brown. More tennis players will be announced in the coming weeks.
Tennis fans across Africa and the world at large can look forward to a two-day tennis tournament in sunny South Africa that aims to utilize sport as a vehicle to inspire change. Tickets are available for purchase on the Ticketpro website.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
