Laura Wolvaardt: Black Day ODI ‘very special’ occasion for Proteas Women to shine light on GBV
Proteas Women’s captain Laura Wolvaardt has emphasised the importance of the Black Day One-Day International in raising awareness of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) ahead of their clash with Pakistan Women at Kingsmead Stadium on Sunday.
South Africa Women will don a black kit with a touch of purple during Sunday’s ODI fixture in an annual nationwide effort to highlight the fight against GBV. This marks the first time the Black Day kit has featured purple accents, a move intended to symbolise bravery and the team’s commitment to using its platform for social change.
Speaking to the media on Saturday, Wolvaardt expressed the team’s pride in the initiative.
“It’s a huge day for us. Being able to bring some awareness to gender-based violence using our platform is vital,” Wolvaardt said.
“It is about highlighting the bravery of women affected by it. If there is even a small difference we can make by bringing awareness towards the cause, that is huge for us as a group. It’s a very special day for all of us.
“The kit is beautiful. The purple is a lovely touch, especially as it carries that deeper meaning of joining the fight. It’s nice to know we look good while playing for such an important cause.”
On the pitch, South Africa hold an unassailable 2-0 series lead following victories in Bloemfontein and Centurion. The team is now aiming for a clinical series sweep in Durban — a feat that has eluded them in recent times. Wolvaardt noted that the squad is hungry to finish the job on Sunday.
“I think we’ve been playing some good cricket this series,” she said. “In the past, we have won the first two and let that last one slip a little bit. It’s something we are aware of, and hopefully, we can regroup tomorrow. There is obviously a lot on the line; we’d love to win a Black Day match.
“It’s been a couple of years since we have won one, and a clean sweep would be a significant achievement for us. We’ll be going full steam ahead tomorrow to try and seal the series 3-0.”
The match is set to get underway at 10am.
