South Africans are urged to rally behind their national teams wearing their unique new jerseys by its sponsors.
This year is a unique year with the three national teams all playing in major tournaments.
The national soccer team, Bafana Bafana will battle it out in the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations tournament while the Proteas will compete with the world’s best in the Cricket World Cup and the Springboks in the Rugby World Cup.
With all the above, the sponsors have launched a Supporters Jersey. The jersey features a unique design, inspired by the country’s 6 biggest sporting moments. It has been on sale since Wednesday May 15.
Castle Lager Brand Director Vaughan Croeser said the jersey was launched to encourage the country to stand behind the national teams.
Speaking to Vukani over the phone, Vaughn said the jersey will encourage the public to strive for unity, reconciliation, tolerance and a common heritage among cultural groups.
He said when they launched One Nation, One Jersey, One Beer which is essentially a supporter’s jersey that pays homage to six historic sporting moments.
“This is a massive year for football, cricket and rugby and it is rare to have all three senior national teams, potentially participate in major international tournaments in a single calendar year.
“We are the only brand in South Africa that sponsors all three major national teams and as a result of such a truly empowering responsibility coupled with our belief in national unity, it was only befitting that we mark the year with a gesture that bears a significance,” he told Vukani.
But why an emphasis on sport as a unifier and important for national development? Vaughn said as long as he remembers, sport has played an important role in almost every society.
“There is absolutely nothing else that can bring people together like sports.
“We are thrilled about this big sporting year, and it’s potential to bring South Africans closer together.
“We are also excited about our jersey and the effect it will have on the teams when the fans are beaming with pride as they represent the country. With this jersey, we want to become one nation behind team South Africa.”