The Vodacom Bulls will on Saturday pay tribute to SanParks rangers by wearing their green away strip in the upcoming Vodacom Super Rugby match against the Reds at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria.
"The Vodacom Bulls have teamed up with South African National Parks and Wild Card to create awareness about the extraordinary effort that SANParks rangers put in on a daily basis, as they protect our beautiful national parks around South Africa," said SANParks spokesperson Janine Raftopoulos.
The Pretoria outfit will play in their green away strip, designed by apparel sponsor PUMA paying tribute to SANParks, and the hope of highlighting the role of guardians of South Africa's precious heritage.
SANParks CEO Fundisile Mketeni said the support from one of the biggest sports teams in South Africa will go a long way in creating awareness for conservation and honour the men and women of the parks in their daily efforts.
BIG DEAL: SANParks Dumisani Dlamini announcing the initiative to honour rangers at Saturday's match in Pretoria. Photo: ANA
"One of the biggest challenges to conservation in the 21st century is wildlife crime and without the help of all people, we will not halt the attack on our natural heritage. We are thankful to the Vodacom Bulls for joining the conservation effort to help conserve our natural heritage for future generations," said Mketeni.
Several SANParks rangers, described by the Vodacom Bulls as "superheroes" will be in attendance at the game, and will also walk a lap of honour.
Vodacom Bulls captain, Handrè Pollard said the initiative to honour game rangers was close to the rugby players' hearts.
"This cause is close to the players' hearts and that they will rise to the occasion to honour our rangers who put their lives on the line to protect our heritage," said Pollard.
REVEAL: Vodacom Bulls players including captain Handre Pollard, Jesse Kriel, Handre Pollard, Trevor Nyakane, Lizo Ggoboka, Hanro Liebenberg. Photo: ANA
"There is nothing better for South Africans to experience than to spend time at one of our many national parks and our enjoyment of this would not be possible without the excellent work that SANParks does.
"We love playing in front of our supporters in the hallowed Vodacom Bulls jersey and we will have the privilege of facing the Reds with some of SANParks rangers in attendance which serves as extra motivation to play our best game."
HERITAGE: The Bulls are looking to creating awareness of heritage preservation through honouring SANParks' hardworking men and women. Photo: ANA.
Lots of activities have been lined up for Saturday's match. Fans have been urged to wear their green Vodacom Bulls jersey, or something green on the day.
African News Agency