Photo Credit: Twitter Profile Photo of @sipokazis86
It is a bitter-sweet moment as Cricket South Africa (CSA) announces that the Proteas Men’s team Media Manager, Sipokazi Sokanyile has left the employ of the organization to ply for cricket from a higher level.
Sipokazi joined CSA in 2009 as an intern and carved her media relations teeth in almost all the CSA properties. She has worked intimately in the KFC Mini-Cricket programme; worked at every national week from the U13 to the boys and girls U19 tournaments, worked on every CSA domestic franchise tournament and has been part of the team that has brought about some of the best campaigns seen in South African sport.
She performed her maiden international baptismal of fire when she was involved as part of the media desk for the first-ever IPL that was hosted in South Africa as well as the Champions League T20 and ICC Champions Trophy of 2009.
Further, Sipokazi has been media officer and media manager for several SA U19 teams, not to mention the CSA men’s and women’s National Academies, the South Africa Emerging and South Africa A teams of both the men and the women before she graduating to the Proteas women, and later men’s space.
A globetrotter and an international cricket citizen, Sipokazi attended nine different ICC World Cups with either the SA U19s, the Proteas women or the Proteas men and was 2010, seconded to the ICC to be their media lead in South Africa for their first and last ICC Women’s Cricket Challenge.
This thirteen-year journey of dedication and commitment to one’s work records volumes about the calibre of the treasure in the enthusiastic Sipokazi. A prolific writer, passionate communicator with incredible interpersonal skills, and ardent cricket fan, Sipokazi is credited for positioning the Proteas Men’s brand in the media, within the sporting circles and beyond.
A qualified Public Relations, Sipokazi has selflessly employed her opportunity as a globetrotter to make world-wide influencer and media contacts which she used to elongate the tentacles of the CSA brand, vehemently driving its sentiment to a positive crescendo.
Commenting on Sipokazi’s departure and prowess, Proteas Men’s Team Manager, Khomotso “Volvo” Masubelele said:
“There are no words to describe the quality of the person in Sipokazi. She is an incredible hard worker, has the temperament for the game and is a great team-player. Sipokazi took her work seriously and jealously guarded the image of the team. She possesses and embodies all the traits that define humanity.
On behalf of the Proteas Men’s setup, I would like to thank Sipokazi for all the things that she has done for us, when she thought we were not looking. We will miss her calming presence and personality. She has carved for herself a special place in our hearts.”
Bidding Sipokazi farewell, CSA Chief Executive Officer, Pholetsi Moseki said:
“Sipokazi embodies, dedication, hard work, excellence, and integrity. She has always been masterful in all that she touched, turning it into gold. CSA is indebted to her for the positive profile that most of its properties enjoy, most notably, that of the Proteas Men’s team.
“That she is leaving CSA is a bitter-sweet moment for us. Much as we are saddened by her departure, we are equally proud that she honed her titanic career under CSA’s tutelage and is now a sought-after, exportable product.
“Sipokazi’s footprints will remain a monument for CSA, and a timeless point of reference. On behalf of CSA, I wish her the best of luck in her new position, and equally thank her for her contribution.”
Said Sipokazi, “I count myself fortunate to have been a part of this wonderful organisation. The staff are passionate about this game and its people and have kept the game alive during some of its most challenging seasons. Everywhere you go, countrywide there are stories of administrators and coaches who go above and beyond the call of duty to assist players in areas where cricket would not have traditionally reached.
“I have watched cricket change and save lives of players and administrators alike, giving the world new stars to admire, while in the background, CSA has provided opportunities for coaches to achieve academic heights that have created opportunities at a better life. From KFC mini-cricket, all the way to the Proteas, CSA has left an indelible mark in individuals’ lives. I'm proud to have been part of this space,” concluded Sipokazi tearily.
Lucy Davey (LucyD@cricket.co.za – 076 651 2782) will be the stand-in Proteas Men’s Media Manager.
