Sports stars rally at 2026 Conservation Cup in support of South African wildlife
South African sports legends and business leaders joined forces for yet another successful Conservation Cup where Team Pangolin claimed their third successive victory in this premier tournament aimed at supporting wildlife conservation and education.
Team Pangolin, captained by business personality Ethel Nyembe, claimed a convincing 50-38 victory over Team Rhino, which was led by Bafana Bafana legend Neil Tovey.
“The real winner is everyone that participated and wanted to do good to raise the funds needed. That’s what makes the real impact for generations of South Africans, and for the tourists who one day want to come to South Africa and see our beautiful wildlife,” said Nyembe.
The tournament – which brought together sports stars such as Springbok legend Bryan Habana and fellow rugby greats Odwa Ndungane, Akona Ndungane, Breyton Paulse, Robbie Fleck, Marc Watson, Schalk Brits, Juandré Kruger and Marius Joubert, cricket stars Jacques Kallis, Mark Boucher, Graeme Smith, Vernon Philander, Ashwell Prince and Corbin Bosch, football legends Tovey, Shaun Bartlett, Mark Fish and Jimmy Tau and former Miss South Africa and Miss World Rolene Strauss – featured the two teams competing over 27 holes and in different playing formats at the Pearl Valley Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course last week.
All were united in their support of the work of The Fisher Foundation to promote the message of conservation and education among the youth living in communities adjacent to South Africa’s national parks and protected wildlife areas, as well as the relocation of vulnerable species.
“I’ve heard a lot about this tournament and this year was my first invitation to play in it. As South Africans we know how much our wildlife and nature and our game reserves mean to us as a nation, and to be able to see so many people coming together to raise some much-needed funds for protecting not only the diversity of our fauna and flora, but also raise awareness, is an incredible privilege,” said Habana.
Odwa Ndungane, a veteran of every Conservation Cup to date, was equally proud to keep playing a role in wildlife conservation through this event.
“The important thing about this initiative is that it generates awareness and it educates the coming generations to look after our wildlife. It’s always a pleasure to be a part of it and to help look after our beautiful country,” he said.
Richard Fisher, the Founder and Executive Chairman of City Logistics and President of The Fisher Foundation, said he was once again humbled by the overwhelming support.
“It is always a privilege to see such a wonderful turnout of people who have the common goal of helping to protect our wildlife. We are so grateful for their support. In three short years, the Conservation Cup has grown into a community of sports stars and business leaders who have a passion for our wildlife and natural heritage, and who actively want to help make a difference,” he said.
“Conservation is not just about protecting what we have now. It’s also about protecting the future. That’s where the education element plays such a vital role. The 2026 Conservation Cup was another powerful step towards growing our educational footprint amongst the communities that are on the front line of conservation efforts in South Africa.”
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