By Shawn Belluigi.
Central Gauteng Lions, Cricket South Africa (CSA) in partnership with KFC, continue their celebrations of the 40th year of the KFC Mini-Cricket programme by hosting the Central Gauteng Lions KFC Mini-Cricket Provincial Seminar at Imperial Wanderers Stadium on the 2nd September 2022.
The celebrations started with the KFC Mini-Cricket National Seminar at Sun City, closely followed by the KFC Mini-Cricket Mega Festival that was hosted simultaneously in 14 of the 16 Cricket South Africa provinces and now continued with a road trip around the country where all 16 of the Cricket South Africa provinces will host their own KFC Mini-Cricket Seminar for the volunteer coaches and coordinators– the heartbeat of the grassroots programme.
The theme of the seminars is to “Make volunteering your identity, make volunteering attractive,” this plays homage to the contribution made by volunteers in the Mini-Cricket setup over the years and chime a clarion call to make volunteerism a way of life.
The aim of the season is to level the playing field by allowing kids from all backgrounds to compete at an equal level by providing all kids from the age of 4-10 boys and from 4-12 girls with the tools to get into cricket and enjoy the benefits of the sport.
To take the programme further coaches are encouraged to uplift their local communities and use KFC Mini-Cricket as a platform to change the lives of South Africa’s youth.
Joseph Nqasa and Terry Thulo recently won awards at the recent Cricket South Africa awards for their contributions to their communities and are now role models for all other coaches and coordinators to follow.
Proteas women’s player, Tumi Sekhukhune, who started her cricket journey in KFC Mini-Cricket and still coaches KFC Mini-Cricket kids was there to inspire the coaches.
“KFC has seen 13 seasons of true partnership with CSA and continue to be committed to reach new heights – taking sports development to every corner of the country. Through this partnership, the youth are fuelled with hope and new dreams to reach for,” said Andra Ferreira Nel, KFC Marketing Manager Brand and Purpose.
KFC’s partnership in cricket provides an opportunity to create experiences that enrich the future stars of tomorrow. Through strong partnerships sport continues to be an enabler for change, a nation builder and offers an opportunity for society to see real change. Children are encouraged to come as they are, build new lasting friendships and be the best version of themselves – on and off the pitch.
“We are going to all of Cricket South Africa’s provinces to promote cricket and to assist Cricket South Africa in maintaining a sustainable approach to cricket to ensure that the right foundation is set to take us to another 40 years of KFC Mini-Cricket. This long-lasting impact that is made in our communities showcases Bucket Loads of Good.”
This year the programme celebrates 40 years, which translates into many years of unearthing some of the best talent in cricket and creating real sports fans of the game. For more information on the KFC Mini-Cricket programme, visit https://order.kfc.co.za/minicricket/minicrickethome.