gsport editor Kass Naidoo departs for an international destination of choice this afternoon, having been appointed by Tensports TV Network as presenter/commentator in the high-stakes Hong Kong Sixes tournament, which boasts a huge bounty of US$100,000 (R733,917.51) for the winning team, care of title sponsors Cathay Pacific.
“Its an honour and a privilege to be chosen for this elite assignment. This will be my international commentary debut, and I am very excited about this opportunity.”
Naidoo has been selected to accompany seasoned commentators Laxman Shivaramakrishnan of India and Australia’s Bruce Yardley, both of whom brought us live action from the recent ICC Champions Trophy in India, where a purposeful Proteas team reached the semi-finals, only to lose to the West Indies.
“Its going to be great to work alongside experts of this calibre. From what I hear, organisers are expecting to put on one of the most star-studded HK Sixes tournaments in living history, and I hope we (South Africa) come back with the trophy.”
The Hong Kong Sixes will see three teams competing in three pools each, with Pool 2’s South African squad going head-to-head against England and New Zealand, defending champions India will see Australia and the West Indies in Pool 1, and Sri Lanka will take on Pakistan and Hong Kong in Pool 3.
South Africa last won the Sixes tournament in 1995, and played to runners-up in 2001. Player of the Tournament Awards have previously included Derek Crookes (1996) and current cricket talisman Jonty Rhodes (1995).
Haroon Lorgat, Convenor of Selectors for South Africa, has chosen a team he believes can win the tournament. “Although we’re lacking in the bowling department with Lance (Klusener) and Johan (vd Wath), I still think we have the team to come away with the silverware.”
“We’re staying on one of the busiest and most popular streets in Kowloon,” said Naidoo shortly before her departure, clearly identifying one of the more appealing aspects of this assignment. “Nathan Road is ideal for night shopping. Can’t wait!”
Following her return from Hong Kong next week, Kass will return to duty at SABC Sport on SABC3, which will be broadcasting the Protea’s cricket action against India and Pakistan live as usual, starting with a day-night ODI against India at Wanderers in Johannesburg on Sunday 19 November, 2006.
The South African Hong Kong Sixes squad is:
Nicky Boje (c)
Justin Ontong
Albie Morkel
Gulam Bodi
Tyron Henderson
Thami Tsolekile
Imraan Khan
Ray Jennings (Manager)
Click here to go to the Official Hong Kong Sixes website
Click here to go to the Wikipedia page on the Hong Kong Sixes
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