PPC Ltd announced the company’s naming rights partnership with Newlands Cricket Ground at the stadium today. This momentous occasion sees PPC, leading supplier of cement in Southern Africa, join forces with iconic brand, Newlands, one of the world’s most prestigious venues and a stronghold of South African cricket, to rename the stadium “PPC Newlands”.
Darryll Castle, CEO of PPC Ltd, expressed the company’s excitement at becoming part of the Western Province Cricket family. “We’re exceptionally proud to be creating a new moment in history for these two champion brands and are looking forward to adding real value to the sport, the community and, ultimately, the country through this new legacy partnership with the Western Province Cricket Association.”
That is not only because of the commercial value of this partnership. It is also because the values that underpin the PPC-success are so similar to the philosophy that has been a key to the Western Province Cricket Association’s (WPCA) approach.
PPC and Newlands have become synonymous with excellence.
The largest cement producer in South Africa, PPC is already producing eight and half million tons per annum. The company wants to continue to set the standard in the industry with a committed focus on innovation and sustainability.
Newlands has become a South African fortress, where the Proteas have won 11 out of their previous 16 tests, and nine of their last 11 One Day Internationals.
Some of South Africa’s greatest-ever players have proudly plied their trade under the oaks, with Table Mountain as a back-drop.
These Newlands-greats have included Jacques Kallis, Hashim Amla, Dale Steyn, JP Duminy, Graeme Smith, Mark Boucher, Gary Kirsten, Herschelle Gibbs, Charl Langeveldt, Vernon Philander, Ashwell Prince and Paul Adams.
The Cape Cobras have hosted the Momentum One Day Cup final at Newlands in three of the past four seasons. They lifted the trophy in 2011/2012 and shared the spoils in 2012/2013 and 2013/2014.
From 2010 to 2014, Western Province, Boland and the Cape Cobras won 61 % of all the competitions they entered in 57 attempts.
In 2014, Western Province Cricket has produced four South African Schools’ players, four South African u.19-players, three SA u.19 women’s players and three SA u.17-players.
The past 18 months have seen Beuran Hendricks, Dane Piedt and Stiaan van Zyl added to the national ranks alongside proudly Cape Cobra-stars for the Proteas in Amla, Philander, Steyn and Duminy.
Both industry leaders, WPCA and PPC, are committed to growth.
PPC has embraced the importance of operating in emerging markets, where 70% of the world’s cement is produced. In fact, the company has stated it as a goal to generate 40% of its revenue from the rest of the continent by 2017.
Newlands, in accordance with a new stadium income-generating model implemented by Cricket South Africa, will host 18 internationals within the next four years.
This includes the New Year’s test against England in 2016, a One Day International against the same foes on 14th February and two T20-Internationals in February and March against England and Australia.
WPCA has underlined the importance of extending its footprint to nurture the growth of cricket amongst black South Africans, as well as to accelerate the production of future stars of South Africa in the townships.
A new Newlands Cricket High School started in January at the iconic ground and is set to produce 50 black grade 12-learners of provincial cricketing quality within four years.
Sustaining our youth and provincial amateur cricket at a level where it can be a national role model and active feeder for Western Province, the Cobras and national teams, form part of the medium-term goals of the Cobras.
Both PPC and Newlands are focused on customer-care.
The customers are the reason for PPC’s existence and its efforts are focused on good relationships, understanding and meeting their needs consistently.
The company is seen by its stakeholders as caring and adding value, and as long-term contributors; not short-term takers.
Newlands, rated by many to be the most picturesque test cricket venue in the world, is synonymous with a fantastic atmosphere and has consistently attracted some of the largest domestic crowds at both ODIs and Test cricket.
It hosted both the opening ceremony and the opening match of the 2003 Cricket World Cup.
The WPCA is keen to add to the fans’ cricketing experience as redevelopment plans of Newlands are underway. This will involve the transformation of suites to mixed-use facilities, including a cricket museum, offices and cafes.
PPC and Newlands Cricket Ground are committed to build a nation of winners.
PPC has been associated with sporting codes like soccer, rugby and cricket, while Newlands has hosted the national team and the Cape Cobras.
The two giants, PPC and WPCA, share the same commitment: to build prosperity, excellent values and a South African nation of champions.
Press release
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Issued by: Riverbed
Nnusi Gazi
Direct: +27 (0) 11 783 7903
