Ali vs Foreman. Rangers vs Celtic. Nadal vs Federer. Hamilton vs Verstappen. Springboks vs All Blacks.
Sport is built on rivalries but as a cricket fanatic nothing brings me more joy than watching the Proteas take on the Aussies. For the past few weeks, I have been counting down the days until these two giants met at the Wanderers.
There is certainly some needle between the two sides. In 2016, Faf Du Plessis was slaughtered for sucking mints and in 2018… well you probably remember that 2018 series.
The reason why I think most South Africans respect this rivalry is that the Australians have a similar mindset to us. They play hard cricket on the field and will chirp until the cows come home but show great sportsmanship off the field — although I think the late great Shane Warne’s opinion might be slightly different after he said Brian McMillan pointed an AK-47 at him.
I recall watching countless documentaries on YouTube where former players, such as Jonty Rhodes, regularly spoke about how, after South Africa’s readmission, former captain Kepler Wessels encouraged the team to spend time with the Australians, sitting with them and asking questions about what it was like to tour different countries.
Some of my greatest childhood memories came from this rivalry: watching Graeme Smith courageously bat at the SCG with a broken hand, seeing AB De Villiers put on a batting masterclass at the WACA, listening to Faf bat out against Australia in Adelaide on Radio 2000, Kagiso Rabada cartwheeling Warner and shoulder brushing Steve Smith in that 2018 series and of course that great 438 match at the Wanderers (which my family always watch on Christmas Day every year)!
Its really hard for me to believe that only a few short years later I would find myself sitting in the media box at the Wanderers surrounded by journalists and commentators whose work I admired for years. To be honest, it was extremely surreal listening to Pommie Mbangwa (the voice of cricket in South Africa) chatting about parking his car.
Walking down Corlette Drive there was a tide of pink shirts making its way towards the gate. On the way there was a BMX rider performing wheelies and doing awesome tricks.
To me, Pink Day represents far more than just another cricket match. It is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when South Africans come together in solidarity against breast cancer.
For many of us, the disease is not something distant or unfamiliar — most of us know a family member, a friend or colleague whose life has been affected by this dreadful illness. Pink Day gives us an opportunity to stand together, raise awareness, show support, and honour those who have fought, and continue to fight, this devastating illness.
One fan said, “Today is obviously about spreading awareness about cancer. Cancer is very close to my heart. I lost a mom through cancer and I know what it is like to lose people with cancer. I have also had a friend who overcame cancer and won. Cancer is a word not a death sentence. It starts with the words I care. It can be overcome. Seeing everyone at the Wanderers wearing pink was really special. It isn’t just about one day it should be something that we continually fight against. People who have cancer go through a long journey of chemotherapy and it is important that we continually show our support.”
Since the inception of the Pink Day in 2013, the initiative has raised more than R7 million to support breast cancer awareness, treatment and research.
From 2018, the proceeds have supported the breast care unit at the Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital which helps provide specialised care to breast cancer patients.
As cliché as it sounds, I still pinch myself when I walk into the media box at the Wanderers.
Standing alongside players like Greg Blewett, with 2,552 international runs to his name, and Makhaya Ntini, who claimed 390 Test wickets, was a real privilege. I can only liken this outer body experience to normal people bumping into an A-List Hollywood celebrity. I was so shy and nervous I barely could utter a sentence longer than, “Hello, how are you” when I walked past them!
The main story of the day was that the Jansen brothers would be playing their first ODI together. Just a few weeks earlier, Duan had made his international debut in Namibia.
When speaking about the possibility of the two brothers playing their first ODI together a fan said, “Honestly, I think it is quite funny. Normally you have a healthy rivalry with your sibling and now they have to play on the same team”.
Duan’s journey has required a little more patience. He revealed that, at times throughout his career, he had to see a psychologist, while emphasising how his faith has helped him navigate adversity. He also credited his move to the Titans with helping him develop and improve his all-round game.
It was a truly well-deserved moment for the all-rounder — and an occasion made even more special by sharing it with his brother on the international stage.
Throughout the day, the atmosphere at the DP World Wanderers stadium was electric. When asked about their experience at the Pink Day one fan said, “So, this is my second time attending the Pink Day. I am absolutely loving the match. South Africa played very well (particularly in the first innings). I live 10 minutes from the stadium. I have been coming here since I was a child. Im absolutely loving the atmosphere here today. It is so vibrant and such a big jol.”
Another fan told us why he loves attending the pink day by saying, “So the support you get from everyone wearing pink is amazing. A lot of people show up in support of fighting against breast cancer. The players are wearing pink and the crowd come dressed in pink. If you have never been before you should definitely come through. You are 100% missing out if you don’t.”
One fan summed up the reasons for attending the pink day perfectly, “First of all it is a fantastic vibe and it is for a great cause. It is a fun day out. It is beautiful seeing the whole stadium dressed in pink. I think pink is a lovely colour and its awesome to see this initiative be supported as well as it is.”
Other fans also noted that they loved the engaging atmosphere at the Wanderers by saying, “My favorite thing about the DP Wanderers Stadium is how interactive it is. You sit very close to the playing surface so you feel like you are a part of it.”
Sitting in the media box listening to Sweet Caroline made me realise that the Pink Day is not just about the result on a cricket field. It is about thousands of people from different backgrounds coming together for a cause that impacts so many lives.
As I looked around the stadium and saw the sea of pink, listened to supporters share their opinions, I realised just how privileged I was to be at this game. As we build towards the 2027 World Cup on home soil, I left the Wanderers feeling incredibly proud to be South African.
