Fans snub top Titans players

POLOKWANE – To honour right arm fast medium Unlimited Titans bowler, Ethy Mbhalati, the Titans cricket team recently announced that Mbhalati was granted a benefit year for all his achievements in the 11 years at the club.

In partnership with Limpopo Impala Cricket (LIC), one of the benefit events was held in the city over the weekend.

This included a six-a-side match between Titans players and Limpopo teams at the Polokwane Cricket Club.

Born in Phalaborwa, Mbhalati made his debut for the Titans in the 2002/03 season.

He was the first South African to score a bowling hat-trick in a T20 match.

It has been over 10 years since Limpopo last hosted Titans players and LIC spokesperson, Sedibu Mohlaba, said the turnout at Saturday’s match was disappointing.

“There were eight matches played in total, which consisted of five overs per side. In the final match, the Titans team slogged it out against the Limpopo Impalas, with the Titans knocking 105 runs for the loss of three wickets in their allocated five overs. In reply, the Impalas scored 85 runs all out,” said Mohlaba.

“In these games every player except the wicketkeeper has to bowl. When a batsman scores 30 runs or more, he must make way for another teammate to continue.

“We were under the impression that Titans players would lure fans to come out in full support of top class players in action on local turf, but that was not the case.”

Mohlaba said Saturday’s poor turnout would not deter LIC from hosting similar events in the future.

“It is vital to organise such events in Limpopo.

From a business perspective, it is an ideal event to promote any business,” he said.

He also extended his gratitude towards the Limpopo Sports and Recreational Council, Sedgears Sport, Polokwane Municipality, SAB Polokwane and Dekler Apparel Services CC for their contributions as sponsors.