By Kevin Rademeyer.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) has officially launched the 2025/26 season of its KFC Mini-Cricket Programme with a national seminar held in Limpopo from 29 June to 2 July, uniting volunteer coaches and regional leaders under the guiding theme: The Legacy Moves Forward.
Now in its second decade, the partnership between CSA and long-standing title sponsor KFC continues to anchor South Africa’s largest grassroots sports initiative. The programme introduces nearly 120,000 children each year to the fundamentals of cricket while fostering values such as teamwork, discipline, and self-confidence.
The seminar provided a platform for strategic reflection, knowledge sharing, and inspiration as the new season begins. It also honoured 12 retiring coaches—some with over three decades of service—who have been central to building a more inclusive and accessible cricketing ecosystem.
CSA Chief Executive Pholetsi Moseki underscored the programme’s broader impact: “This seminar is about more than launching a new season. It reflects a legacy of opportunity and the deliberate effort to make cricket a game where every child can belong. We are humbled by the dedication of our volunteer coaches, who quietly drive the change we want to see.”
KFC, which has been the title sponsor since 2009, reaffirmed its commitment to the programme’s long-term social value. “This isn’t just about sport. It’s about shaping resilient, hopeful young people,” said Nolo Thobejane, KFC’s Chief People and Culture Officer. “When we invest in a child, we invest in the future of our communities and our country.”
The impact of the KFC Mini-Cricket Programme is significant:
Over 2.5 million children have participated since its inception.
More than 120,800 matches were played last season across all 16 cricket unions. Over 4,900 schools are currently engaged.
A network of 10,090 volunteer coaches mentors and develops young players.
Eleven members of the current Proteas Women’s team began their journeys in Mini-Cricket.
Beyond cricketing skills, the programme has proven to be a powerful tool for social cohesion, mental well-being, and youth empowerment, particularly in underserved communities.
As the 2025/26 season gets underway, CSA and KFC remain steadfast in their mission to make cricket a conduit for transformation, opportunity, and national pride.