Nelson
Mandela Bay Municipality Executive Mayor Eugene Johnson today officially
launched the Cricket South Africa T20 series which kicks off on Monday, 7
February at the St George’s Park Stadium.
During
the launch Johnson said the City was excited to host the 31-game series
which will be televised as eight teams battle it out in Gqeberha.
The
series comes after a long break of live and major cricket action in the Bay due
to the COVID-19 pandemic and will give fully vaccinated cricket fans an
opportunity to enjoy the festival of top-class cricket.
Mayor
Johnson said: “As the City we want to pledge our support for the tournament. We
realise the relationship between us and the EP Cricket has been there for a
very long time and we don’t want to disturb that relationship as the local
government of unity. We came to strengthen that relationship hence we are
encouraging our communities to support this series.
“They
must come out in numbers and even watch on television. We understand that there
will be advantages to the City, we know this will increase sales for local
businesses as people will spend money during these days. We want to thank
Cricket South Africa as this series will create jobs for our residents, it will
enhance community pride and social cohesion.”
The
Executive Mayor encouraged residents to vaccinate for COVID-19 as only
vaccinated spectators will be allowed to enter the stadium.
Warriors
Chief Executive Officer, Dr Mark Williams, said 2 000 people would be allowed at
the stadium per day.
Cricket
South Africa Vice President Donovan May said: “It is an honour to be here and
to see that Cricket South Africa has entrusted St George’s Park to host the 20
days of cricket. I think it’s part of the first in the world that you get 20
days of cricket in one month, with two games a day. It’s iconic. As CSA we are
showing our support, that is why the games have been brought to Gqeberha.
We are extremely excited.”
Participating
teams in the CSA T20 are Gbet
Rocks, Gbet
Warriors, Momentum Multiply Titans, Six Gun Grill Western Province, Hollywood
Dolphins, Imperial Lions, Itec
Knights and North West Dragons.
The
series will run until 27 February.
