Pakistani entrepreneur calls for Benonians ‘to own their team’, Graeme Smith appointed head coach
“Pride. Passion. Power.”
These three words best describe the vision of Pakistani business executive and entrepreneur Javed Afridi who owns the Benoni Zalmi franchise.
The three words are also emblazoned as the slogan on the new Benoni Zalmi logo which was officially launched at Benoni High School’s morning assembly on August 18.
Benoni will be one of eight South African cities to host a franchise team during Cricket South Africa’s newly formed T20 Global League in November and December.
Afridi is also the owner of Pakistan Super League (PSL) cricket franchise and 2017 PSL champions Peshawar Zalmi.
The word “Zalmi” means “Youth”.
It was fitting then that Afridi would launch the logo of his newly acquired cricket franchise in front of over 1 000 school children as he stepped up his efforts to engage with the Benoni community and to welcome them to the international “Zalmi Family.”
A journey started from APS Peshawar,PK to Benoni High School,SA I would like to thank Zalmi fans for their support throughout our journey. pic.twitter.com/mDeDjXhMr8
— Javed Afridi (@JAfridi10) August 18, 2017
His Peshawar Zalmi Foundation has done tremendous work around the world through projects and initiatives geared at creating social cohesion, inspiring youth and women’s empowerment and promoting education through sport.
He hopes to deliver similar projects in Benoni.
“Like Peshawar Zalmi, Benoni Zalmi will not only try to attract millions of cricket fans from across the world, but will also try to contribute to various corporate social responsibility activities in Benoni and in the country in an effort to win the hearts of the South African people,” he said.
“The people should own the team.
“Benoni Zalmi is not my team, not my family’s team, not my friends’ team – it is everybody’s team.
“Benoni’s people need to own this team and show the world that sport is one of the few tools that can unite people.”
Despite being offered a franchise base in cities like Durban, Cape Town or Pretoria, Afridi decided to base his team at Sahara Park Willowmoore.
“I have done a lot of research about Benoni.
“Benoni has now become close to my heart.”
Benoni High School old boy and former Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Rowen Fernandez was a guest speaker at the logo launch.
He encouraged Benonians to show their full support for the team when the tournament comes around.
The Eastern Cricket Union’s CEO, Cassim Suliman and president of the union, Gary Corin spoke about the T20 Global League coming to Ekurhuleni.
They acknowledged Afridi’s vision and passion and expressed their support for the team.
The audience showed such passion that Afridi announced they would all be getting tickets for the first home game at Sahara Park Willowmoore (expected to be against Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan’s Cape Town Knight Riders).
More images taken from the Benoni Zalmi logo launch at Benoni High School:
On August 21 Afridi announced former Protea captain Graeme Smith as the head coach of the Benoni Zalmi team.
Smith’s right-hand-man will be Highveld Lions head coach and former Easterns player and coach Geoffrey Toyana.
With your addition @GraemeSmith49 I am sure @BenoniZalmi will do wonders. Its about leadership & your career as captain makes BZ stronger. pic.twitter.com/CxwnMITnJc
— Javed Afridi (@JAfridi10) August 21, 2017
The player draft is set to take place on August 26 and 27 in Cape Town.
Keep an eye on www.benonicitytimes.co.za for more Benoni Zalmi articles in the lead-up to the T20 Global League.
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