Puma takes ownership of Gibbs’ ear

The earring was commissioned by Gibbs' technical and sportswear sponsor PUMA, which grabbed the opportunity to take ownership of Gibbs' ear.

"Herschelle is the ideal match for PUMA's brand positioning. His nature both on and off the field matches that of PUMA - superlative athletic and sporting performance blended with a style and edginess that continues from the playing field to the street. This PUMA logo earring complements both the PUMA brand and Herschelle. Hopefully it will also enhance his playing ability. We all know that he is a diamond in the rough."

PUMA is a global athletic brand that fuses influences from sport, lifestyle and fashion. PUMA's unique industry perspective delivers the unexpected in sport-lifestyle footwear, clothing and accessories, through technical innovation and revolutionary design. Established in Herzogenaurach, Germany in 1948, PUMA distributes products in over 80 countries.

Designer Federico Aliverti, a Belgian jeweler who now lives in Cape Town, created the earring from 18-carat white gold and four diamonds. It is valued at R1500.

Gibbs, who enjoys setting trends, says that apart from adding something edgy to his wardrobe, the new earring is part of his mental preparation for the new season. "I am training hard and getting fit for the season, which starts in mid-July. I thought it would be fun to adopt this PUMA logo earring as my new lucky charm. It's all part of gearing up physically and mentally for the next season. I like to think that this earring will be symbolic of setting the cat amongst the pigeons when I go out to bat."