Sports Collaborations Can Shape Blood Cancer And Blood Disorders Awareness

Sometimes, the most important moment isn’t played under stadium lights. These important moments are often faced in hospital wards, whispered prayers, and in the search for a life-saving stem cell donor.

For patients diagnosed with blood cancer or blood disorders, their only chance at survival is finding a matching stem cell donor. 30% of patients find matches from a related match, the remaining 70% rely on an unrelated match. For Black, Coloured, and Asian, the odds are even slimmer—only 1 in 100,000 registered donors worldwide may be a match due to complex genetic diversity and underrepresentation on the global donor registry.

For 14-year-old Iminathi, these statistics are more than just numbers—they are a reality he faces every day. Diagnosed with aplastic anaemia, Iminathi depends on weekly blood transfusions to stay alive. His life changed dramatically in 2020, when what seemed like a harmless flu and a persistently blocked nose led to a life-threatening blood disorder where the body’s bone marrow stops producing enough new blood cells, leading to a weakened immune system and uncontrolled bleeding.

Left untreated, this condition can be fatal, and for patients like Iminathi, the only chance at survival lies in finding a matching stem cell donor.

Hence, through the power of advocacy, Temba Bavuma, Captain of the South African national cricket team, and the DP World Lions opened their doors to Iminathi—connecting through sport and a shared passion for cricket. From walking side by side through the iconic players’ tunnel at DP World Wanderers Stadium, to having heartfelt conversations with the DP World Lions staff and players, Temba used his platform to call on South Africans to register as stem cell donors.

“Spending time with Iminathi was emotional and incredibly grounding. You see a child full of energy, dreams, and light—and then realise he’s going through something most of us can’t even imagine.”

“My message to South Africans is this: You have the power to save a life. Registering as a stem cell donor doesn’t cost you anything but a bit of time, and yet, for someone else, it could be the only chance they have,” shared Bavuma.

Adding on to the moment, DP World Lions Chief Executive Officer Jono Leaf-Wright shared that community is at the heart of everything they do, and for Bavuma to spend time with Iminathi, echoed that influence comes with responsibility.

“We believe the role of a sports institution like ours extends well beyond the boundary rope. Our stadiums might be built for competition, but our legacy is built on connection—to our fans, our communities, and the causes that need us most. Partnering with DKMS Africa on this World Blood Cancer Day initiative was more than just a symbolic gesture—it was a powerful statement of solidarity and action.

“True community support means showing up where it matters most, that is why we were compelled to use our platform to amplify the voices of those who often go unheard—patients, families, and children like Iminathi who are waiting for a match.”

He concluded with a personal call to action:

“So, I urge you—don’t let fear or misinformation stand in the way of your potential to save a life. Be informed. Register. I did, and I hope and pray my stem cells will save someone in the future.”

Palesa Mokomele, Head of Community Engagement and Communications at DKMS Africa, shared that like so many sports, cricket is a bridge that connects hearts, homes, and communities. And with sports icons like Temba Bavuma advocating for patients in need, it’s a step towards bringing hope to patients still waiting for a match.

“Sports figures hold the power to amplify the urgent need for stem cell donors and inspire communities to come together. That is why advocacy like this reminds us that behind every statistic is a real person, and this collaboration helps create visibility for Iminathi and other patients like him who are still waiting to find their matching stem cell donors. We hope his story moves others to register, because the act of saving a life could start with just one decision.”

Mzansi Pulse

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Sports collaborations can shape blood cancer and blood disorders awareness

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