Mbhalati brings top cricket to the far north
Top-class cricket will be coming to the far north on the first weekend of August as Unlimited Titans veteran Ethy Mbhalati hosts a benefit game at the Polokwane Cricket Club.
Although Mbhalati has been a Titans stalwart since 2002/03 and represented SA A, the pace bowler has not forgotten his roots and the player born in Tzaneen and educated at Majeje High School in Lulekani Township outside Phalaborwa, will be returning to Limpopo to thank everyone in those parts who has supported his successful career.
The Limpopo Cricket Academy product will host coaching clinics on Friday, August 1, before a sixes festival will be held on Saturday, to be followed by a cocktail party at the Peter Mokaba Stadium that evening.
The Titans will be one of four sides in action on Saturday, alongside an Ethy Mbhalati XI, the Limpopo Impalas and an Ethy Mbhalati Mixed Invitation XI.
Former Proteas Loots Bosman, Thandi Tshabalala and Makhaya Ntini are likely to be members of the Ethy Mbhalati XI, while the names of Mangaliso Mosehle, Aaron Phangiso and Lonwabo Tsotsobe, if he’s recovered from his ankle injury, have also been mentioned.
Celebrities, including the likes of Generations star and ardent cricket fan Xoliswa Xaluva, will also be obvious attractions.
The event will not only benefit one of the most deserving of cricketers, but also boost the profile of cricket in Limpopo.
The matches will take place between 9am and 5pm on Saturday, August 2, and the gates will open at 8am.
Ticket prices for the festival are R50 and R200 for the VIP package. The cocktail party will cost R350 and this includes meals, complimentary drinks and a chance to sit and mingle with Mbhalati, Titans players, former team-mates and his celebrity friends. Cash bars will be available throughout both events.
Tickets will be sold at TicketPros outlets nationwide and also at the Limpopo Impala Cricket office from Sunday.