By Clifford Sihlezana.
South Africa’s leading cricket development programme – KFC Mini-Cricket – received a boost in the KwaZulu-Natal Inland Cricket Union at the annual KFC Mini-Cricket provincial seminar. Coaches, volunteers, administrators, key stakeholders, and coordinators gathered at the Pietermaritzburg Recreational Centre venue on Thursday 11 November to listen to how the season will unfold.
The 2021/22 KFC Mini-Cricket Provincial seminar was hosted in person for the first time in two years with limited delegates and guests while those that could not attend in person did so virtually.
KZN Inland Tuskers coach Michael Smith and Tuskers vice-captain Luke Schlemmer were present for a Q and A session as they advised the volunteer coaches and guests present at the KFC Mini-Cricket Seminar.
“The pandemic has been taxing especially as players and coaches, if you’re affected by covid you can’t play as compared to other industries where you can work from home, this season of recovery is an important one as KFC Mini-Cricket players and coaches an return to the field of play to do what they love”, Schlemmer commented
Tuskers coach, Michael Smith echoed the words of vice-captain Schlemmer as he lauded CSA And KFC for once again getting kids active and returning to play during the 2021/22 KFC Mini-Crickets season.
“Most kids love playing outside, this programme helps kids have fun in a structured environment while they still have fun, kids have also been through a tough time during the pandemic and for them to be out there is good for their mental and physical health.”Smith concluded.
The overarching theme of this year’s KFC Mini-Cricket festival is “Imvuselelo” or “Recovery” as South Africa continues to recover and rebuild from the devastating impact of the covid19 pandemic. The KFC Mini-Cricket programme has given all involved a renewed sense of hope for South Africa’s young cricket fanatics ahead of the 2021/22 season.
The 2021/22 season is a milestone one as KFC enters its 12th year as sponsor and partner of Cricket South Africa for the KFC Mini-Cricket programme while the joyous theme continues as KFC celebrates its 50th year in South Africa.
“This year is a momentous occasion for us as we turn 50 in South Africa. That’s 50 years of spreading finger lickin’ goodness. There is no better way to celebrate our milestone than by recognizing our phenomenal volunteer coaches and coordinators.,” said KFC CSI Manger Andra Ferreira Nel.
“These inspiring individuals epitomise all that is great about South Africa. Their selfless dedication allows the programme to be all-inclusive and teach the kids important life skills whilst they get active in a fun and healthy way by playing a sport that they love. They champion the spirit of community by keeping the Mini Cricket flame alive in their corners of our country and we could not be prouder to partner with them for the coming season,”continued Ferreira Nel.
While safety remains the paramount priority, there is a tangible excitement about getting back onto the field and playing the game that everyone loves.
“We are very excited to have the 2021/22 KFC Mini-Cricket season get underway as we will get kids across different communities active. However, we are still aware that the pandemic has not ended, and safety will still be a priority with all protocols still having to be observed in the upcoming seminars and festivals,” reassured CSA Mass participation manager David Mokopanele.
“The majority of our administrators and volunteers have been vaccinated during the season break and we hope this will go a long way towards increasing the safety within the KFC Mini-Cricket season, allowing us to get more kids active for a sustained period this season,” Mokopanele concluded.
Since the inception of the program, some 2.5 million kids have played KFC Mini-Cricket and over 120 players have gone on to play for South Africa in various teams. The programme plays a crucial role in CSA’s development framework as over 2 000 players have been identified in the programme and have been directed to their respective Development Hubs and Regional Performance Centres.