AB de Villiers hails Icons Cup concept

The Links at Fancourt in George, Western Cape will host the inaugural Icons Cup South Africa from 11-13 December.

The three-day match-play golf tournament will see Team South Africa take on Team World, and Team South Africa will be captained by Ernie Els, while José María Olazábal will lead Team World.

Speaking exclusively to SABC Sport, de Villiers says fans will see the human side to their sporting icons. 

"I think it's a great concept, and they've really hit the nail on the head with bringing stars together from different sporting codes, you don't see that anywhere else in the world. It gives supporters the opportunity to interact with some of their sporting role models they would usually only see on TV. The youngsters will also feel inspired after meeting some of their heroes and seeing the human side to them as well."

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The confirmed players so far for the South African outfit sees Els joined by de Villiers, former Springbok Fourie de Preez and Butch James, as well as Shaun Pollock and Vernon Philander. 

de Villiers promises that once the first tee shot is hit, Team South Africa will put up stiff competition against Team World. Although he admits the right combinations will need to be established.

"I have no doubt that we are going to fire up a storm for the opposition, but we'll make them feel welcome at first, we'll wine and dine them, but when we step to that first tee it's all about winning."

Team World so far includes former world number one tennis star Ashleigh Barty, cricket legends Brian Lara and Yuvraj Singh, former Chelsea captain John Terry and Manchester United legend Dwight Yorke. 

There will be a $10 million hole-in-one prize shared between players, charity and fans, and the Proteas legend says this initiative can change many lives…