Cricket South Africa (CSA) in partnership with KFC, are set to kick off the celebrations of the 40^th year of the KFC Mini-Cricket programme. The festivities will officially begin at this year’s KFC Mini-Cricket National Seminar with the KFC Mini-Cricket volunteer coaches and coordinators– the heartbeat of the grassroots programme. Themed, “Make volunteering your identity, make volunteering attractive,” the Seminar will pay homage to the seminal 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 KFC Mini-Cricket National Seminar marks the start of the thrilling season ahead, that will aim to get even more children across the country involved in one of the biggest grassroot programmes in Mzansi. Post a turbulent period with a global pandemic, the 40-year milestone is one that CSA does not take lightly. Commenting on the significance of Mini-Cricket’s 40^th Anniversary, CSA Chief Executive Officer, Pholetsi Moseki said:

BELA-BELA, SOUTH AFRICA – OCTOBER 04 Beuran Hendricks of the Proteas during day 2

“Mini-Cricket has been the backbone of the CSA ecosystem and pipeline over the years. Nearly all of the current Proteas men and women players played Mini-Cricket at the start of their cricket careers. These include Temba Bavuma, Dean Elgar, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Keshav Maharaj, Dane van Niekerk, Sune Luus, Lizelle Lee, Shabnim Ismail and Mignon du Preez … just to name but a few.

“The milestones achieved, including unearthing some of the best talent in cricket, attests to the impact that this programme can be proud of. Mini-Cricket has indeed changed lives. We are proud of the volunteers that so selflessly gave of their time to make the forty years of Mini-Cricket worth this celebration. “Much as the Covid-19 pandemic inflicted a dent and slowed this marvellous programme, it in fact highlighted its importance and brought about the zeal to continue with it. Special thanks to KFC for holding our hands in a common pursuit of growing talent from the grassroots up. “The commitment demonstrated by this partnership bodes well for the future of cricket in South Africa,” concluded Moseki.

BELA-BELA, SOUTH AFRICA – OCTOBER 04 Coaches in a session during day 2

With this exciting occasion, KFC continues to be committed to highlighting the importance of levelling the playing field for all the children of South Africa. The programme sees over 126 000 children stepping into the crease, season after season and giving them the best opportunity to live up to their full potential. “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 CSR and Reputation Manager.

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 would like to thank all in the Cricket South Africa programme structures and yesteryear’s youth that came back to give to the same outstanding programme – this sustainable approach as ensured 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.

BELA-BELA, SOUTH AFRICA – OCTOBER 04 Coaches in an outdoor session during day 2

The KFC Mini-Cricket National Seminar will see the newly appointed CSA Director of Cricket, Enoch Nkwe, and the majority of CSA Executives and some Board Members in attendance. The event will further be supported with the appearance of Proteas players; Temba Bavuma, Kagiso Rabada and Raisibe Ntozakhe as well as other exceptional speakers sharing learnings and upcoming season milestones.For more information on the KFC Mini-Cricket programme, visit  https://cricket.co.za/mini-cricket/