The Mzansi Super League 2.0 needed something to give it life and boy did the Boland community do just that, writes Naeemah Benjamin.
Last year they provided packed stadiums and this year seems no different. One thing is certain, the people from Paarl know how to turn up and fill a stadium. Showing the rest of the country how it’s done with added help from a marketing perspective. Which was very much needed with the attendances being poor at the rest of the grounds.
Paarl Rocks hosting the Tshwane Spartans with players such as AB de Villiers, Morne Morkel, Tom Curran, Faf du Plessis, James Vince on show, the Boland fans streamed through those gates and the grass embankment, being sold out, was absolutely rocking.
The vibe at Paarl is something you have to witness to be able to fully comprehend it. Unfortunately last year I couldn’t make it despite securing my tickets early and I envied every person at the ground watching the videos and pictures on social media.
The crowd were treated to great cricket, a tad bit one sided during the second innings, but entertaining nonetheless no matter which team you were supporting.
Music blasting, the kids showing off their dance moves with an added bonus of the glorious view of Proteas duo Dean Elgar and Heinrich Klaasen showcasing their talent.
Is Paarl proof that these “smaller” venues need more cricket? High profiled international matches in particular?
Can Johannesburg and Durban show the Cape that they can competed? Or will Newlands and Paarl continue to show the world just how much they love this sport.
Take the cricket to the people… no?
Liton is an avid cricket supporter who made it known that he’s fully behind the “PAARL ROCKS” in the MSL and enjoyed getting behind his team whilst soaking up the atmosphere despite his favorite player, Faf du Plessis, not doing much on the day.
“My experiences at this ground is actually very bad (chuckles). Every time I come to watch, they lose. Last week I never came and they won…” said Liton
The Paarl Rocks lost but Liton was there in unconditional support. Draw your own conclusions…
Photo: Naeemah Benjamin
