The inaugural 3TeamCricket (3TC) Solidarity Cup match, which marked the much-anticipated return to live sport for South Africa, not only entertained fans throughout the country on Saturday but also raised a total of R3 million for charity and the Hardship Fund – a joint Cricket South Africa (CSA) project aimed at supporting members of the wider cricket community affected by COVID-19.
The match resulted in AB’s Takealot Eagles claiming gold with an astonishing 160 for four. Temba Bavuma’s Mr D Food Kites were 22 runs shy of the gold, clearing 138 for three instead and claimed silver, while Reeza Hendricks’ OUTsurance Kingfishers walked away with bronze, after an impressive 113 for five.
3TC Captains’ Cheques
The money that was raised will be split between the cricket community and charities, with R2.5 million going towards the Hardship Fund to provide financial relief to former and current cricket players, coaches and ex-coaches, ground staff and operational staff. The remaining R500,000 will be split among charities that were identified by the captains ahead of the match while additional donations will be made to players’ causes that support hunger relief in the community.
The Hardship Fund has been operational for nearly two months and has so far assisted 15 players who have been placed in positions of extreme financial strain due to the global pandemic.
“Countless players and supporting staff whose contracts expired this year had other opportunities lined up, which simply did not materialise. As a result, these cricketing community members have no way of supporting themselves or their families financially,” says Jacques Faul, acting CEO for Cricket South Africa. “Historically, CSA would hear of players who have encountered financial hardship and require some relief. Through this fund, we will now be able to support these individuals financially, who have contributed their time and energy towards making South African cricket what it is today.”
South Africa’s cricketing community has never failed to demonstrate an ability and willingness to support community members in need, both in and outside of the cricket fraternity. Earlier this year, various cricket players donated R300 000 to humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers Foundation, to assist with distributing food parcels to communities, while also dedicating their time and resources towards alleviating hardship in their respective regions.
While in 2016, Temba Bavuma established the Temba Bavuma Foundation, which aims to facilitate the emergence and development of future sporting talents from previously disadvantaged backgrounds. This year, the Proteas batsman’s foundation, in partnership with PPC, handed over a new cricket pitch and nets at Bosmont Primary School, as part of its goal to develop future sporting talent from previously disadvantaged backgrounds.
This period has proved to be exceptionally difficult for members of the sporting community, with the result of cancelled matches felt well beyond the confines of the cricketing community. Initiatives such as the CSA Hardship Fund therefore act as a lifeline for community members, as well as their families, enabling them to get back on their feet.
