SANDF at the Crease for Second Sunfoil Freedom SA vs India Cricket Test

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1 SANDF at the Crease for Second Sunfoil Freedom SA vs India Cricket Test January 2018 Article and photos by Capt Jacques de Vries Teams India and South Africa on the field with a boundary guard of honour and band from the SANDF, preparing for the National Anthems The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has once again padded up to assist the Titans cricket franchise with ceremonial expertise in opening the second Sunfoil cricket test match between South Africa and India at SuperSport Park in Centurion, on 13 January This was after a similar SANDF presence deployed at the same venue in support of the second test match between South Africa and New Zealand, on 27 August The Titans cricket franchise continues to cooperate with the armed forces in endeavours such as this Freedom Series, especially in honour and recognition of the Regular and Reserve Force members of the SANDF who serve and who lay down their lives on service at home and abroad. SuperSport Park provided the opportunity for the SANDF to put forth a spectacular opening ceremonial performance under the theme: Forces Day, to usher in the first day of the second test match, with the armed forces maintaining a presence from 13 to 17 January The Titans honour the SANDF by supporting the SANDF Education Trust, with a percentage of the first day's gate fees pledged to the Trust. The Trust provides primary, secondary and tertiary school bursary assistance to the dependents of SANDF members who have been killed or severely injured in the line of duty. The Freedom Series also honours two great leaders hailing from South Africa and India - Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi. In terms of the SANDF's personnel contribution, uniformed men and women of the South African Army, South African Air Force (SAAF), South African Navy (SAN) and the South African Military Health Service (SAMHS) marched onto and lined up along the entirety of the field's perimeter boundary rope to form a massed guard of honour before the commencement of the game. As these members did so, they received a warm applause from spectators. This entrance was accompanied overhead by announcer s introductions and big screen images beaming SANDF Pride of the Nation. This very visible participation in proceedings was an integral element of match visuals broadcast to millions around the world.

2 The SANDF combined band consisted of the SANDF Army Band Limpopo, the SAAF Band and the SAMHS Band, which was positioned at the southern side sight screen. In addition to the many senior officers and functionaries of the Department of Defence and SANDF who were in attendance, Secretary for Defence Dr Sam Gulube, was invited to participate in ringing the bell, and by doing so indicating that the day's play had commenced. The SANDF band played first the Indian and then South African national anthems, with a moving fly past coinciding with the conclusion of the latter, of two SAAF 2 Squadron JAS 39 Gripen fighter aircraft out of Air Force Base Makhado roaring low over the pitch. The powerful jets' rumble echoed the sentiment of the national anthem's closing - sounding the call to come together united, living and striving for freedom in South Africa. Members of the public attending the match were able to enjoy the extensive SANDF military hardware and equipment display established on SuperSport Park's East Embankment. This static display included the Rooikat armoured reconnaissance vehicle, Ratel 20 infantry fighting vehicle, the 8x8 Gecko all-terrain vehicle, and artillery in the form of the GV5 155mm Howitzer and FV2 Bateleur 127mm Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS). Personnel from the Regular and Reserve Force components of the Army, Air Force, Navy and SAMHS were on hand to interact with young and old regarding the weapons, vehicles, signals equipment and medical systems on display. The SA Navy precision drill squad thrilled crowds during the first day's tea break with its performance, with the Army precision drill squad joining its Navy counterpart on subsequent days with flourish during lunch and tea breaks. SANDF participation in the opening and presence for the duration of the test was a visible manifestation of the service that its men and women render with loyalty and pride, as citizens and volunteers. Congratulations to the Proteas and command performance of man of the match Lungi Ngidi, for their day five 135 run victory over India and 2-0 series lead. The SANDF and the Proteas each have their fields of battle, donning the uniform for our nation and breaking down barriers. This virtue emulates Nelson Mandela, who said that - Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire, it has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. SANDF members marching onto the field, forming the guard of honour for the opening of the first day s play on 13 January 2018

3 SANDF members ring the SuperSport Park boundary rope in the run up to the opening of the day s play on 13 January The SANDF s display area on SuperSport Park s East Embankment

4 The SANDF combined band following the playing of national anthems, at commencement of play on the first day SA Army Artillery Formation member observing the game from the mine protected cab of a FV2 Bateleur 127mm MLRS

5 The SA Navy precision drill squad entertains spectators during teatime on the first day of play