Their reign of pain is about to come to an end at the Wanderers on Sunday during the one-day international. 94.7's Jeremy Mansfield is assembling the Biltong Brigade, a group of die-hard South African supporters, determined to beat the Brits at their own game. "We've got the best babes in the world, we've got the best beers in the world, we've got the best braais in the world and they're ruled by a queen," Mansfield says happily. "It's about time they got a taste of their own medicine."
The Biltong Brigade will have its own branding and kit, and will be issued with song sheets, the lyrics of which are tailored to fit well-known songs and nursery rhymes and specific cricketers. The lyrics are a combination of Rude Awakening and listener contributions.
And, as if the pleasure of slamming the English team in our own words is not enough, there's an added incentive. For the 50 die-hard supporters that crack the nod to be part of Mansfield's group of yahoos, there are free tickets to Sunday's match.
There's a catch though, no pun intended. In order to get those tickets, members of the public have to prove themselves worthy. The tickets are only for those who are prepared to go into extra time for their team! Jeremy Mansfield put out the call for people to do wild and crazy things to earn their stripes. As usual, RAW listeners have risen to the challenge and from Wednesday the 26th of January, Joburg drivers will be treated to the sight of hopefuls proving their mettle on the streets of the city, singing, stripping and showing their colours in a bid to earn their place in 94.7's Biltong Brigade.
Marcus Dorfer wrote in to say that he and his friends would be prepared to dress up as models with pompoms and fish net stockings to cheerlead for the team. Lindsay and her mates said they were such big fans they've made their own gear complete with pom-poms, green hair, face paint and flags and are prepared to wear it at all the busy intersections in Kensington for an opportunity to make South African cricket proud.
"The station likes to seize any opportunity to promote our national sports and support of our heroes," says 94.7's Marketing Manager Dex de Bruin, "this is a great chance to get the crowd behind the cricketers and show our national pride."
In addition, there's quite a surprise in store for the England cricket team when the Standard Bank one-day international series gets underway this Sunday at the Wanderers Cricket Stadium. It won't just be Graeme Smith and team waiting to take on the visitors; the English will have to deal with the Amabutho as well.
So what, exactly, are the Amabutho?
The Amabutho (Zulu word for "warrior") - initiated by Standard Bank and the United Cricket Board - are South Africa's new army of cricket supporters, a fiercely dedicated tribe of fans charged with giving the national team all the backing it needs. Led by Joey Rasdien, a very familiar South African face, the Amabutho are abuzz with war cries, chants and colourful support. They are all ready to unleash upon South African grounds this summer. Comprising 13 young and energetic members, the Amabutho will be at each and every one-day international this summer, tearing up and down the grounds in a blaze of patriotic fervour, and ensuring that the team on the field is well aware of just how much crowd is behind them. Singing, cheering and dancing their way through each and every one-day international - South African grounds will come alive as never before.
Of course, the Amabutho and Biltong Brigade can't do it all on their own, which is where you come in. Simply join in the cheers and the chants and be part of the carnival of cricket that is about to hit South Africa. Wave your flags and banners, wear your national colours with pride, and make it absolutely clear that South African teams have the world's most fiercely enthusiastic fans.
Song sheets will be available to supporters in the form of flyers handed out at the entrance to the Wanderers Cricket Stadium.
