Johannesburg – Captain Jean de Villiers and vice-captain Victor Matfield have both been included in a star-studded Springbok T20 cricket team to face off against the Proteas in the Nelson Mandela Legacy Cup T20 match in Johannesburg on December 5.
Matfield scored 23 runs from 23 balls and hit four fours against the Proteas in Cape Town earlier this year.
The two Springbok centurions will be joined by Willem Alberts, who took two wickets in as many balls at Newlands, as well as Willie le Roux, who scored 16 from eight balls including a big six.
Recently-retired Tiaan Liebenberg and Duane Vermeulen, one of the Springboks' wicket-takers at Newlands, will also have another chance to showcase their cricket skills.
“Everyone had a blast playing against the Proteas last year and we're looking forward to more of the same this year,” De Villiers said from Cardiff, where the Springboks will play their final Test of 2014 against Wales on Saturday.
“At this stage however, our focus is solely on Wales this weekend. Thereafter we'll start putting our plans in place for the match at the Wanderers.
“The match is for a good cause and we're hoping for a sold-out crowd at the Bull Ring, which is a magnificent venue which has seen a number of superb performances in the past.”
Big Flip van der Merwe, who is recovering from injury, has been appointed manager but the Springboks are yet to name their coach and captain for the match, which drew a sold-out crowd in Cape Town last year.
The match celebrates the one year anniversary of Madiba's death, will be played in his honour and in celebration of his legacy.
The game will also be televised live on SuperSport 2. – Sapa