The ‘Who’s Who’ of SA sport give JP a helping hand
PROTEA, Springbok, Bafana Bafana stars and top South African musicians all came out in their droves to support the JP21 Super Eights Charity Cricket Day at the luxurious Val de Vie Estate yesterday.
The “Who’s Who” of SA sport such as former Bok captain Jean de Villiers, current Stormers skipper Siya Kolisi, Cape Town City goalkeeper Shu-Aib Walters and Protea stars Faf du Plessis, Vernon Philander, Morne Morkel and many others were all there along with singers Chad Saaiman and comedian Siv Ngesi to entertain the large crowd who came out for a funfilled day.
The inaugural competition winners were JP Duminy’s team, with the host skipper smashing the winning runs. But the day was about much more than that.
All the funds raised on the day went towards sustaining the JP21 Project which is in its fourth year. The Project continues to do sterling work in Mitchells Plain and Strandfontein, where it has revived the spirit of cricket through the provision of an outlet for children to be active and healthy.
“It was an honour and privilege to be part of such a great day and initiative. I wish JP and his team all the best for the future. It can only go from strength to strength when you have a turn out like this. The JP21 Project is really doing great work and the children are really privileged to have a great guy like JP doing such wonderful things for them,” Walters said.
Proteas fast bowler Morkel was equally elated with the event, but hoped his team could do a bit better next season.
“An awesome day out here at Val de Vie with JP21,” Morkel said. “Unfortunately we came stone last! So, I need to look hard at my team selection for next year and come back and take the trophy back to Pretoria!”
Springbok flank Kolisi also showcased his cricket skills, and was particularly good with his running between the wickets where he even dived to make his ground on a few occasions even though he was wearing a cast on his arm.
“I was just so happy to be a part of this day. An unbelievable event. I just wanted to contribute because I want to get invited back next year! What JP is doing (is) amazing and I just want to be involved. So, they can’t drop me now. I want to come back next year,” Kolisi said.
What JP is doing amazing and I just want to be involved. So, they can’t drop me now. I want to come back next year!” says Springbok flank Siya Kolisi