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Proteas' changing of the guard

Johannesburg - Fans in Kimberley and Bloemfontein will be the first to see Chevrolet Warriors star, Johan Botha, take on the reins as Proteas Pro20 captain.

South Africa face Zimbabwe in two Standard Bank International Pro20 matches, in Bloemfontein on October 8, and in Kimberley on October 10.

Tickets for the Zimbabwe tour of South Africa, which also includes three MTN One Day Internationals, in Bloemfontein, Potchefstroom, and Benoni, went on sale nationwide at 09:00 on Monday, September 27, and are priced between R20 and R75 per ticket.

“Being the official captain of the Proteas Pro20 squad for the first time is both a huge challenge and also an exciting and defining moment in my career,” commented Botha.

“Zimbabwe is going through a renaissance period as far as its cricket is concerned and they have developed a recent habit of upsetting some of the more fancied teams in world cricket. To this must be added the fact that the Pro20 format is the most unpredictable form of the game. Consequently we will be expecting some very tough opposition.”

Botha took over the captaincy of the Standard Bank International Pro20 squad from Graeme Smith, when the latter decided to shed some of his responsibilities during the off-season.

Smith will continue to captain the Standard Bank ODI squad as well as the Castle Test squad and will be available for selection in all formats.

“Johan has led the Proteas outstandingly well when he has stood in for me in previous limited overs series,” commented Smith, “and it will be a very smooth changing of the guard as far as I am concerned. It also gives me the opportunity to concentrate on improving my own game as we head into a very important season that climaxes with the ICC World Cup in February.”

Gerald Majola, CSA CEO, said: “The tour by Zimbabwe is the start of an exciting season for the Proteas, as it includes the ICC World Cup in India and Bangladesh during the first part of 2011.

“We encourage fans to support the Proteas in large numbers for the matches in Kimberley, Bloemfontein, Potchefstroom and Benoni, as we are very keen to get the Proteas off to a winning start.

“It is also important to show full support for Johan Botha as he takes over the captaincy of the Standard International Pro20 team from Graeme Smith, who continues to lead the Proteas in Tests and ODIs.

“Zimbabwe Cricket has turned the corner, especially with the Pro20 format, and so the cricket fare will be first rate.

“Tickets have been priced to suit all pockets. We look forward to full houses and 100% support for the Proteas.”

Fans can purchase tickets at host venues, online at www.ticketpros.co.za and at selected Postnet stores. Ticketpros takes over from Computicket as Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) official ticket supplier.

Zimbabwe Tour Fixtures:

8 South Africa v Zimbabwe - Pro20I  - Bloemfontein - 18:00
10 South Africa v Zimbabwe - Pro20I  - Kimberley - 14:30
15 South Africa v Zimbabwe - ODI OUTsurance - Bloemfontein - 14:30
17 South Africa v Zimbabwe ODI - Potchefstroom - 10:00
22 South Africa v Zimbabwe ODI - Benoni - 14:30

Ticket Prices Per Venue:

Benoni

Scholars R40
Adults R60

Kimberley

Grandstand R65
Adults (unreserved) R40
Scholars (Unreserved) R20

Potchefstroom

Students R30
Adults R50

Bloemfontein

Scholars R30
Adults R75

Union Contact Details

Willowmoore Park, Benoni: 011 746 9000
OUTsurance Oval, Bloemfontein: 051 442 5715
De Beers Diamond Oval, Kimberley: 053 833 2601
Senwes Park, Potchefstroom: 018 294 6666

Selected Postnet Stores Selling Cricket Tickets:

Benoni: 011 425 0263
Bloemfontein – Showgate: 051 430 5914
Bloemfontein – Westdene: 051 447 9757
Centurion – Doringkloof: 012 667 2701
Centurion – Lyttelton: 012 664 3640
Farramere: 011 425 2496 
JHB – Melrose Arch: 011 684 1350
Kimberley: 053 831 1661
Klerksdorp - Flamwood: 018 464 4126 
Kuruman: 053 712 2357
Potchefstroom: 018 290 5743
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