An inspired Friendly City fanbase came out in numbers to support the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants as they faced a steep challenge of overcoming the Blitz Brigade at St Georges Stadium on Wednesday, writes Ongama Gcwabe.
St George’s Park Cricket Stadium hosted its second Mzansi Super League 2.0 game between the Nelson Mandela Bay Giants and Cape Town Blitz.
As I got to the Stadium, I sensed a different atmosphere, a different vibe as the fans lined up at the tickets office just outside the stadium, anticipating a fantastic top-of-the-table clash.
As I watched the two teams going through their warm-up drills, I saw Mam’Nozuko Malahlela and her two beautiful kids carrying the MSL flags and ready to watch and support the Giants.
Mam’Nozuko and her kids
We had an inspiring conversation, which showed me why the fans are so important to the survival of this sport.
“I love sports, especially cricket and my kids play a lot of sports at school,” she said exclusively to Cricket Fanatics Magazine.
“I am here today to try to show them that it is very much possible to go all the way and be successful in sports.
“So, this is all about getting them inspired to dream big.”
The interview I had with her reminded me that the Mzansi Super League is not only about the players, but also about inspiring the young fans to believe that no dream is too big.
Tshepiso excited after getting autographs from the players after the game.
The Giants’ fantastic start to the tournament, engagements between their players and staff with the fans all around Port Elizabeth, ensured that the crowd attendance improved.
The music from the St George’s Brass Band and the cricket on the field kept the packed stadium entertained.
Captain fantastic, Jon-Jon Smuts, and his team broke the Mzansi Super League record chase at St George’s to clinch a five-wicket win and secure a spot at the top of the table.
READ: Mzansi Super League week-days wrap: Nelson Mandela Bay Giants go top
The Giants will be hosting the Durban Heat on Saturday and the game kicks off at 12:30 Local time.
Photo: Deryck Foster/BackpagePix
