Sunday, 17 March will be a key date on the Multiply Titans calendar, as it will mark the last time that stalwart Albie Morkel wears the Sky Blues shirt on South African soil.
The highly respected all-rounder announced his retirement after 15 years of excellent service for the Titans and for Easterns earlier this year, and he will be pursuing a coaching career.
But, before that, the hard-hitting leftie will have one, final chance to thrill fans of the Titans.
The match will be played against the touring Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club, who will be in the midst of their pre-season preparations.
The Titans and Notts have formed a cricketing friendship of mutual benefit, and this match is in keeping with that flourishing kinship.
The match itself will be hosted at the picturesque Cornwall Hill College, and the school will be significantly involved, too.
The Titans Invitational XI will comprise of current and former Titans players, as well as two Cornwall Hill College players from the school’s First XI.
It promises to be a thrilling day, and a typically understated salute to a player who preferred his bat to do the talking.
Titans CEO Dr Jacques Faul, commented: “This gives us the opportunity to celebrate Albie’s prolific career and see him turn out for the Sky Blues one more time. If you have a final send-off you would like certain individuals to play alongside you that influenced your career and we’ve afforded Albie the opportunity to include players of his choice in the team.”
“For the first time, we’re reaching out to a prestigious school, Cornwall Hill College. It’s a stone throw away from SuperSport Park and boasts fantastic facilities. It’s a great addition to have two new Titans representatives from the College playing alongside local legends and against international opposition.”
“Playing against an esteemed English County like Notts aligns with our future aspirations to globalise the brand.”
Director of Cricket of Nottinghamshire, Mick Newell, said: “This fixture is a great addition to our pre-season tour and it will be great practice to play against a tough opposition and the touring squad are looking forward to celebrating Albie’s great career.”
Mr Leon Kunneke, Executive Head, Cornwall Hill College added: “Cornwall Hill College is both proud and excited to host the Titans and the touring Notts Outlaws. It is the first time that an event such as this is hosted within the Centurion Community. On behalf of Cornwall Hill College we would like to encourage support from all cricket enthusiasts.”
Tickets are priced at R20 for children and R40 for adults and are currently available to purchase at webtickets.co.za.
