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Rachel Kolisi Calls On South Africa To ‘Pitch Up In Pink’

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JOHANNESBURG: Ahead of Sunday’s highly-anticipated encounter between the Proteas and the Netherlands, Rachel Kolisi has made a passionate plea for South Africans to make their presence felt at the DP World Wanderers Stadium in recognition of the iconic Betway Pink ODI.

As ever, the Pink ODI is a flagship fixture on the cricket calendar, and spectators are particularly encouraged to ‘pitch up in pink’ in support of cancer awareness and early detection. This year also marks the sixth anniversary of the Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital Breast Care Unit benefiting from the proceeds of this remarkable sporting event.

In recognition of this legacy project, CSA and commercial partner Roc Nation Sports International have collaborated to ensure an enthralling ‘summer of cricket’ concludes with innovative matchday activations aimed at incorporating education, information and entertainment that celebrates the worthy cause at the heart of this One Day International.

Notably, a large portion of this drive will be led by Rachel Kolisi, who will be sharing video messages about the Pink Day cause, fund-raising details as well as the importance of cancer awareness, early detection and life-changing treatment.

Looking ahead to Sunday’s game, Rachel called on South Africans to unite behind a worthy cause.

“Sunday will be a day of hope and progress as we work together against breast cancer. With over a decade of awareness and progress in raising funds, as well as educating via this Pink Day event, we continue to unite against breast cancer.

“When we work together we have the power to change lives through empowerment, education and breaking social taboos. Please give as generously as you can to ensure this is the most impactful Pink ODI ever.”

The matchday messaging will aim to serve as a celebration of an incredible cause, and to ensure that the exciting on-field action is complemented by the activations around the ground, which will amplify the power of sport and how it really can change the world.

As part of this memorable occasion, title sponsors Betway are also coming to the party and will be donating R1,000 for every four and R2,000 for every six that is hit by either team on Sunday.

“It’s a great privilege for us to be able to use our sponsorship of the Betway Pink Day to benefit such a worthy cause and to assist the amazing work being done by the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital," said Mark Rowles, Head of Marketing at Betway.

“Our donation mechanic also allows the players to directly contribute towards the cause purely by doing what they do best and entertaining what we hope will be a great crowd.”

Michael Yormark, the president of Roc Nation Sports International, said it was an absolute privilege for the world-renowned sports agency to have played a part in facilitating the messaging around breast cancer awareness.

“The Betway Pink ODI is about so much more than just the game, and we want to ensure that this day – and especially what it stands for – remains firmly entrenched in the memories of supporters long after they have left the ground.”

Besides a percentage of gate-takings going towards the Pink ODI fund, the players themselves will also effectively be contributing to the cause through Betway's boundary-hitting campaign. Fans can also support this initiative by dressing up in pink at their homes, posting pictures to the various social media platforms, pledging pink and donating on a designated QR code. #BePartOfIt #PledgePink

Cricket came to South Africa during the Napoleonic Wars and with the British forces occupying South Africa. The first match recorded was in 1808 in Cape Town between two service teams, for a prize of one thousand rix-dollars.

The oldest cricket club in South Africa is the Port Elizabeth Cricket Club, founded in 1843. Few clubs in the world can boast such a long existence. The first championship was held in Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha) in 1876 for the “champion bat.” Competing teams were Cape Town, Grahamstown, King Williams Town, and Port Elizabeth (now Gqeberha). It was won by King Williams Town and the year after that too.

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Alan Straton

Chief Cook, Bottle Washer and Broom Mechanic at MyPE
Passionate about Port Elizabeth and definitely NOT packing for Perth. Alan's ethos is epitomised in the words of Nelson Mandela; "I have fought against white domination and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the idea of a democratic and free society. If need be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die." See more articles by Alan.