Over 800 KFC Mini-Cricket kids participated in the ninth KFC Mini-Cricket Provincial festival as the KFC Mini-Cricket season made its return in 2024.
The Provincial festival was hosted at The Oval Cricket Ground, Pietermaritzburg as part of the KwaZulu-Natal Inland region activities.
Over the years, the KFC Mini-Cricket programme has witnessed the graduation of numerous players, including Proteas captain Laura Wolvaardt and Under-19 women’s wicketkeeper Karabo Meso to mention a few.
Andra Nel, KFC Marketing Manager: Brand and Purpose, expressed her views on the continuation of the KFC Mini-Cricket Provincial festivals.
“As we kickstart the second half of the KFC-Mini-Cricket season, we remain committed to our core intention of levelling the playing field for all kids. KFC Mini-Cricket is more than a game for our kids and their families, it’s an opportunity for our kids to become their best selves and turn their wildest dreams into reality. We look forward to seeing even more KFC Mini-Cricket kids participating ad thriving in the remaining festivals across the country.”
'INSPIRE KIDS'
The well-attended provincial festival was a huge success, according to Bongani Gwamanda, the newly appointed KFC Mini-Cricket Coordinator.
“We are grateful for the support from KFC, Cricket South Africa, and our KFC Mini-Cricket coaches. Seeing over 800 kids playing mini cricket is heart-warming and is a great example of how sport continues to bring our communities together. Players like Ntandoyenkosi Zuma, who plays for the Tuskers and was named to South Africa's Under-19 squad, are examples of how impactful the KFC Mini-Cricket programme is.”
Ntandoyenkosi Zuma, a KFC Mini-Cricket programme graduate, spoke about his experience participating in KFC Mini-Cricket.
"My friend introduced me to the KFC Mini-Cricket programme while I was attending Bhekizizwe Primary School in Sweetwaters," Zuma said.
"My passion for the sport grew from there, and I have never looked back. Being selected as part of the Under-19 squad has been one of the most significant moments of my career, and I hope that my story will inspire the kids to make the most of the opportunities provided by the programme. This programme's diversity ensures that all young girls and boys have an equal opportunity.”
KFC Mini-Cricket is one of the largest grassroots development sports programmes in South Africa and is also an essential building block for learning cricketing basics and entrenching a love for the game.