Passion on the pitch: Hadebe's mini cricket legacy

Cricket South Africa (CSA) is delighted to celebrate the exceptional achievements of Mfaniseni Hadebe, named the KFC Mini-Cricket Coach of the Year at the recent CSA Awards.

Hailing from KZN Inland, Hadebe’s contribution to the cricket pipeline over the past three decades has earned him widespread respect and admiration. His dedication to nurturing young talent and reviving cricket in his community has made him a cornerstone of the KFC Mini-Cricket programme at Willowfountain Primary School in Imbali, Pietermaritzburg.

Hadebe, a security guard at the school, has spent 32 years as a committed cricket coach, holding three practice sessions weekly that are not only fun but deeply impactful. His passion and dedication have seen many of his protégés go on to represent KZN Inland and the Free State Women’s teams. His legacy goes beyond the field, as he has played a pivotal role in reviving cricket at local schools and organising coaching clinics and festivals to keep the sport alive.

Reflecting on being recognised as the KFC Mini Cricket Coach of the Year, Hadebe said;

“It’s something that has made me very happy. When I look back to where I started with cricket in 1998, and how I continued coaching through all these years, I never thought I’d achieve something this big. It has given me great encouragement and shown me that cricket can take you to a level you never thought you’d reach.”

The recognition has further motivated Hadebe, who feels the award has affirmed his lifelong commitment to cricket;

“Now, the whole community sees me as someone who knows what they’re doing. It affirms that what I’m doing—coaching little kids—is right because Cricket South Africa has recognised it.”

Hadebe also emphasised the importance of constantly learning, reading, and honing his coaching skills to better equip the young players he works with.

As for what this award means to him, Hadebe remarked, “I believe everyone who works strives for success. It’s always a surprise to achieve more than what you aimed for. This has encouraged me to have a mindset that when I do something, I shouldn’t expect to reach the top quickly. I have to work hard to get there.”

Looking ahead to the upcoming KZN Inland Mini-Cricket Festival, Hadebe is eager to inspire his young players, ensuring they are both mentally and physically prepared.

“It’s not just about winning; it’s about performing well and learning how to play cricket. The players need to be mentally ready, calm, and respectful toward their teammates and opponents. Cricket is about ‘best against best,’ and to be the best, you must practice being the best.”

Hadebe also shared his advice for aspiring coaches who might one day receive such an award: “I’d encourage coaches to forget about past mistakes and focus on the future. Be patient and don’t rush the team for perfection. Analyse what’s lacking in the game, and work with your players to improve those areas. Most importantly, respect your superiors and the officials, and focus on doing your job as a coach. If we do this, we’ll create players who are grateful and happy to be with us.”

KFC MINI-CRICKET FESTIVALS 2024/25

This week, Hadebe’s remarkable journey will be celebrated at the KZN Inland KFC Mini-Cricket Festival, marking the start of the 2024/25 season. These festivals provide young cricketers, aged 8 to 12, an exciting platform to learn the basics of cricket in a fun, engaging environment. Running from the 4th of September 2024 to the 22nd of March 2025, the festivals will take place at various locations across the country.

Welcoming children of all skill levels from the 16 CSA affiliates, the KFC Mini-Cricket Festivals celebrate the spirit of cricket, promoting camaraderie and a love for the game. Participants will enjoy a day filled with batting, bowling, and fielding, where they can learn and grow as future stars of the sport.

Date

Unions/Affiliates

City

Sep-04-2024

Mpumalanga

Witbank

Sep-07-2024

KZN Coastal

Durban

Sep-12-2024

KZN Inland

Pietermaritzburg