Boks aim to go all out with Proteas

THE Springboks have signalled their intentions to go all out in the forthcoming Nelson Mandela Legacy Cup against the South African cricket team by appointing former Proteas wicketkeeper Mark Boucher as head coach.

Furthermore, hard man Willem Alberts – who took two wickets with consecutive balls and hit a quick 10 runs off nine balls at Newlands in January – has been named to captain the Boks at the Wanderers.

Springbok management have also confirmed that kicking coach and former Bok flyhalf Louis Koen will replace the injured Jean de Villiers in the starting 11 for Friday’s match at the Bidvest Wanderers Stadium.

Boucher, who handed out the Springboks’ jerseys in September before their superb victory over Australia at DHL Newlands in Cape Town, will surely be calling on all his knowledge and experience, hoping to guide the Boks to their very first win over the Proteas.

“This is a great challenge. I’m very excited to be involved with the Springboks,” he said.

“I know they are not really known for their cricketing skills, but it was clear to see early this year in Cape Town that these boys know how to handle a bat and ball.

“And they certainly don’t lack anything when it comes to competitiveness.

“In the previous match, Butch James took the gloves and I’ll share some tips with him, but generally we have some very talented guys across the park.”

Cricket SA have announced financial services provider Momentum as the latest commercial partner to associate itself with Friday’s Nelson Mandela Legacy Cup.

Momentum have come on board as one of the official supporting partners to this historic event between the Ticketpro Proteas and the Springboks in a much anticipated T20 clash.

The match commemorates the first anniversary of Madiba’s death, and will be played in his honour and in celebration of his legacy.

From an entertainment perspective, awardwinning rock group Prime Circle will entertain fans before and during the match.

Fans will also get the opportunity to be part of the autograph session with selected members of both teams.

The popular hit-a-six competition will once again keep fans screaming for big hits and a kicking competition will also take place between the two sides.

There are still tickets available for the match at www.ticketpros.co.za and range from R90 to R200.