Proteas bring ICC Mace to Kimberley, as they inspire young cricketers at Diamond Oval
The Proteas stopped at Kimberley’s Diamond Oval on the first leg of their nationwide Mace Tour celebrating their ICC World Test Championship victory. Learners from various schools played mini cricket alongside Proteas players, who also autographed bats and memorabilia for the youngsters.
Image: Danie van der Lith / DFA Newspaper
KIMBERELY came alive on Tuesday when the Proteas made a special stop at the Diamond Oval as part of the nationwide Mace Tour celebrating their historic ICC World Test Championship triumph.
For local fans, especially schoolchildren, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet their heroes and share in the pride of South Africa’s cricketing success.
The city's Diamond Oval became a hub of excitement as learners from various schools across the city gathered for a morning of mini cricket. Laughter, cheers, and the sound of ball on bat filled the ground as children took to the field under the guidance of none other than their Proteas idols.
Players joined in the action, tossing balls, sharing tips, and even stepping in to bat alongside the youngsters.
Kagisho Rabada is seen helping a learner with his batting.
Image: Danie van der Lith
Proteas captain Temba Bavuma spent time interacting with the team's fans, and autographed shirts and bats during their visit.
Image: Danie van der Lith / DFA Newspaper
For many of the learners, the highlight of the day was the autograph session that followed. Wide-eyed children queued eagerly, bats and caps in hand, waiting to have them signed by their favourite stars. “This is something I will never forget,” said one excited learner, proudly holding a bat covered in his heroes' autographs.
Aiden Markram is seen during the signing session.
Image: Danie van der Lith
The Kimberley visit marked the first leg of the Proteas’ Mace Tour, which takes the team across the country to thank South Africans for their unwavering support. After Kimberley, the Proteas will head to Durban and Gqeberha on Wednesday, September 24, where the celebrations will include a City Bus Parade, SAB Braai Day, and a signing session at The Boardwalk.
On Thursday, September 25, the team will continue in Gqeberha and East London with a packed programme featuring a school assembly, a Captains’ Panel, another City Bus Parade, and a photo session at City Hall. The celebrations will conclude in Cape Town on Friday, September 26, with a fan meet and greet at the Grand Parade, followed by an open bus parade through the CBD.
For Kimberley’s young cricketers, however, the memories of playing alongside the Proteas at their home ground will be the lasting legacy of the tour. The day not only celebrated a historic victory for South African cricket but also planted seeds of inspiration that could grow into the next generation of Proteas stars.