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THE Sunfoil Series received a major boost on Monday with the announcement that the four-day first-class competition has been bolstered with a major cash increase in prize monies.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) and the Willowton group agreed to increase the prize pool to two million rand, with the champion team taking home a handsome one million rand – the highest winner’s cheque ever given to a domestic Franchise team across any competition.
Apart from the increased prize money, players are also set to benefit with the player of the series awarded R50 000 and a new R15 000 monthly prize introduced for the player of the month. This innovation will be known as the Sunfoil Sizzler of the Month Award.
“We must be enthused about our first-class cricket and this is a wonderful boost for the four-day game,” commented CSA Chief Executive Haroon Lorgat. “It confirms our view that first-class cricket is the premier format and the place where players must excel if they want to succeed at international level.
“I have been working with Sunfoil for only a short while but I have already sensed their enormous passion and love for cricket in South Africa. I am indeed grateful to the Willowton Group for their magnificent support for both the Sunfoil Four-Day Series and our home Sunfoil Test Series. I must also acknowledge their inspiring contributions at grassroots level.
“It is fitting that the extra support of Sunfoil comes at a time when we need it. The Proteas are world-leaders in Test match cricket and this added incentive for players will help us to promote first-class cricket. We know we cannot rest on our laurels as history shows how other champion teams have slid from the top. This investment by Sunfoil will go some way to helping us incentivise the first- class system in our quest to maintain high standards.”
Shoaib Moosa, Sales and Marketing Director of the Willowton Group, commented: “We are delighted to be involved in the sponsorship of this 30-game series which will be played at venues throughout South Africa.
“We do hope that fans will take the opportunity to go to their closest local match and enjoy the four- day cricket with no admission charge.
“Our philosophy is that domestic four-day cricket is the breeding ground for future Protea Test cricketers. The current standard of cricket played in this series is exceptionally high and we are certain that over the next few seasons the Proteas team will become even stronger.
“Through all tiers of the game our passion and commitment is reflected by developing the future stars of our country and bringing quality first-class and International cricket to the people of South Africa. The aim is to make a meaningful difference and one that can sustain itself into the future, so that all those who have benefited will hopefully one day turn around and do the same to others in need.”
SuperSport International have once again come on board this season to produce regular updates from selected matches around the country.
The total prize money breakdown for the Sunfoil Series is as follows:
1st 1 000 000.00
2nd 600 000.00
3rd 200 000.00
Man of the Match 3 500.00
Man of Series 50 000.00
Sizzler for November 15 000.00
Sizzler for December 15 000.00
Sizzler for February 15 000.00
Sizzler for March/April 15 000.00
