CSA launches new seven-coloured ODI jersey to showcase the team’s diversity

South Africa has been known to be a rainbow nation because of its diversity and now, the country’s cricket board, along with sports footwear manufacturers New Balance, has come up with a campaign designed to celebrate the heterogeneity of the Proteas side. Cricket South Africa (CSA) and New Balance have launched #WornAsOne towards championing the strength that the African side draws from its diverse composition.

The new jersey of the Proteas that they will wear for their ODI assignments is the most colourful one in the South African market and it has been created to be worn to exhibit a common bond and purpose between every South African backing the national team, CSA said in a press release. South African captain Faf du Plessis lauded the step and called it a “massive strength and differentiator”.

A massive strength, says du Plessis

“The individuals which make up our team are all from very different backgrounds, cultures and upbringings. This is unique in international cricket. We consider this a massive strength and differentiator. Passion for and commitment to the Proteas is our bond, a bond that has been created through the legacies left by previous generations of Proteas players,” InsideSport quoted du Plessis as saying.

“The Proteas story is full of individuals who contributed to building this bond through the legacies and values they left behind. #WornAsOne is a celebration of these legacies and a reminder of the long journey the team has travelled since independence,” he added.

The cricketer also said that it is a challenge to both the South African team and the supporters to honour this legacy and remember that they are playing for a common purpose despite their differences.

Former South African player Clive Eksteen, currently the CSA Marketing Head, said, “South Africa, The Proteas and cricket bring us together, creating unity through the shared passion. The current team is consistently ranked as one of the top sides in world cricket – this is a result of this team unity, a process which started back in 1992 and continues to this day.”

Craig Bowen, Country Manager of New Balance South Africa, said the new jersey’s seven colours, besides mirroring the seven letter in the word ‘Proteas’, also speaks about the shared values that have emerged over time and have made the South African team a great one.

“Passion, Resilience, Opportunity, Trust, Excellence, Authenticity and Style. Our hope is that every time a Protea or fan pulls on this shirt, they will remember these values and give their all for the team,” he said.

[interaction id=”5bcdaf5a41b46fe54157f5f7”]

Get the latest Cricket News and updates from all the cricketing action, Match Predictions, Fantasy Cricket Tips and lots more on CricTracker.com.