Sasfin Cape Town Sixes hits poverty for a six!

The Sasfin Cape Town Sixes concluded on Sunday after three days of competitive amateur cricket and Fives Futbol. More than 80 teams played across several leagues, including a VIP Corporate Cup, Two Women's Leagues, a Juniors' League and an exhibition match. On the main oval, The Sasfin #HitPovertyForASix XI, including Allan Donald, Jacques Rudolph and comedian Nik Rabinowitz (among others) took on The SA Cricket Legends XI, which includedMeyrick Pringle and Aubrey Martin. In a tightly contested match, top scoring captain Ryan Christian (#HitPovertyForASix founder) hit 28 runs off eight balls to assist his team in beating the legends by six runs. "While it was fun to play with the familiar faces, those who have given so much time to a great cause, ultimately the kids and cricket were the winners of the day," Christian said.

Some of the highlights of the event included the teams that were sponsored to attend in order to access a larger stage. On the first day, The Khayelitsha Hub, claimed victory of the U11 Tournament, with the joy clear for all to see.

On Sunday, The SA Cricket Legends coached 30 pupils from Ukhanyo Primary, a school in the Masiphumelele area of Cape Town, and benefactors of the event. Originally, 1800 Ukhanyo students only had one PT teacher and limited facilities and now, with the support of former SA cricketer, Vince van der Bijl and his MCC MasiCorp750 initiative, a growing sports program has been built and is now showing the fruits of their labours. One rising star, Lucky, was spotted last year and has been placed into the Western Province Cricket Academy and is showing great promise.

Donald explains, "It's a real privilege to see Vince van der Bijl here, and we chatted with him about his role and the #HitPovertyForASix initiative. To see the passion he has for these kids is quite tremendous. For us to be involved as old legends of the game and contributing, and seeing their enthusiasm for the game is just fantastic - so great to see Meyrick Pringle speaking to the kids in their language. I think the kids appreciate that very much. For me, to see Lucky bat and bowl was something else - I think we are very privileged to give something back to these kids. A massive thank you has to go to Sasfin, it keeps this thing alive - we want more of this every single year, and see more of these kids come to the events."

Elisheva Gilbert, Head of Marketing at Sasfin, "I have to say that the commitment from these legends who gave up their weekend, and brought such incredible energy to the kids, was the highlight of the event. They may be called legends in cricket circles, but their participation with the kids over the weekend just proved they are legendary human beings!"