Jacques Kallis New Age Friendship match - South Africa versus India It is hard to imagine the different emotions

that course through ones veins as one walks out onto the Wanderers in front of a growing crowd at the Bull Ring. Six Jacques Kallis Foundation boys and two past pupils felt that excitement when they were his guests at the New Age Friendship match between South Africa and India. Each, proudly representing his own school, Wynberg Boys High School, Maritzburg College, Selborne College and Pretoria Boys High School, they walked through the crowds and onto the field. With permanent smiles, and busy hands clicking cameras, they were introduced to all the commentators who were paying tribute to Jacques Kallis. The boys were then interviewed by Mike Haysman. They all started speaking with confidence, but the knowledge that the interviews were live and that their own voices were resounding throughout the stadium made them feel a little too conspicuous for comfort.

The boys were then allowed to remain at the entrance to the players tunnel, where they gathered autographs, took photographs and met the players. They were finding it very difficult to contain their excitement!

Both teams entered for their warm ups; the boys mingled with the players and took even more photographs. For the next hour, there was no let-up in their excitement - the whole day was about them! Knowing that they were the envy of the growing crowd of spectators, the boys walked past them on their way up to the suite where drinks and snacks then supper and dessert were theirs to enjoy. Jacques Kallis did not disappoint the crowds on his day. He smashed a glorious half century. The only disappointing moment of the event was when the heavens opened and the rains came down, ending what was building up to be a thrilling nail biter. By the time the decision was made to call off the match, the six school boys were good friends. But the rain did not dampen the evening for the boys. Thanks to Jacques Kalliss girlfriend, they were treated to an hour of locker room time with the Proteas. This was a cricketing Christmas for the boys. The Proteas were in the mood for giving and give they did. All the boys were given autographed Proteas match kit, warm-up kit, pads and gloves. At the end of the evening, they were the last to leave. Special thanks go to Brigitte Marais of the Kallis Foundation for this rare opportunity to give six boys: Chivaar Chuturgoon, Thomas Mashiane, Donovan Ferreira, Pumelela Payi, Sohail Muhmoud and Robin Kriel and two old boys Lushen Govender and Bhoteke Mbombe an unforgettable once-in-a life-time experience.