Proteas vs. Australia Cricket Clash Set for Nelson Mandela Bay

The Castle Lager Proteas will form part of the Nelson Mandela’s Bay’s centenary celebrations when they take on Australia in the second Sunfoil Test at Axxess St Georges Park later this month.

Port Elizabeth will always have special linkage to the Proteas as the city hosted South Africa’s first ever test match in 1888-89 at the then St Georges Park.

St George's has also been home to some world-class cricketers such as the popular Makhaya Ntini who is a past Protea and the Pollock brothers, Peter and Graeme. Graeme Pollock has been voted South Africa’s cricketer of the 20th century.

Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism CEO, Ms M Skefile says, “Cricket adds great value to Nelson Mandela Bay in terms of entertainment, sports development and not to mention the rich history of the sport and venue of St Georges Park. Preserving current fixtures and securing future games can benefit the city in terms of tourism value of foot traffic and expenditure as well as international media exposure.”

“Cricket linkages to Nelson Mandela Bay are many and these momentous occasions to showcase great cricket events such the test series between Australia and the Proteas which are paramount to the legacy and future of the sport in the city need to continue,” said Ms Skefile

As part of the Centenary Celebration, since Nelson Mandela Bay has been declared a city, NMB is being requested to “Get Behind the Proteas”.

The Port Elizabeth International Airport will be a hive of excitement when the Protea and Australian teams touchdown and are welcomed by the city on 17 February 2014.

There will be an additional opportunity fans to meet and greet the cricket stars as public are able to interact with the Proteas on the 18th February 2014 from 18h00-19h00 at the Boardwalk Entertainment Complex.

“Cricket South Africa is grateful for the initiative shown by the Nelson Mandela Bay in galvanizing the support of the city to get behind the Number One Test Team in the world,” commented CSA CE, Haroon Lorgat.

“There has always been a strong tradition and support for the Proteas in this part of the world and we eager to see the fans support the team as it goes in search of yet another series win,” added Lorgat.

Stand a chance to win hampers and cricket tickets to the test being held at Axxess St Georges from the 20 – 24th February 2013 by visiting www.nmbt.co.za.