The Easterns KFC Mini-Cricket Provincial Festival is back after a long halt in play

Kwatsaduza – The KFC Mini-Cricket provincial festival saw over 800 children converge at the Willowmoore Park Cricket Oval in Benoni last Friday, hosted by the Eastern Cricket Union.
It was the first mini-cricket festival to be held since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The event was held under the theme Imvuselelo (recovery) and was attended by Eastern Storm players Grant Thompson, Matthew Arnold and Divan Postumus, whose careers also started with the KFC mini-cricket programme.
Cricket South Africa’s mass participation manager Buhle Motshegoa said they were excited to be hosting the festival again.

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“Like everything else in South Africa, the programme was heavily affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, so we thought that Imvuselelo is fitting because we are recovering from what we have lost.
“It is time to rebuild and we are so extremely thankful that we have KFC on board who has supported us throughout the pandemic. We are focusing on encouraging schools, especially those that are still a little hesitant, to get back onto the field and play cricket.
“Covid-19 protocols are observed. The safety of the children and the coaches is very important to us,” she stated.
The programme plays a crucial role in Cricket South Africa’s development framework. Over 2 000 players have been identified in the programme and have been directed to their respective development hubs and regional performance centres.

Thompson elaborated on why having such programmes remains vital.
“It is important to develop the love of the game first and I played mini-cricket using a softer ball and wickets that were smaller and easier to manage.
“I advise all schools and coaches to start their youth programmes by playing KFC Mini-Cricket.
“Not only is the programme geared to get the children to have fun, but there are so many opportunities such as playing in festivals, meeting high profile players, attending first-class cricket games and competing against other schools,” he said.

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Having good coaches and great family support is what helps a youngster develop a passion for any sport, believes Matthew Arnold, Eastern cricketer.
“KFC takes great pride in being able to invest in the youth, making a meaningful difference across the communities we operate in.
“In the last 12 years KFC, through the programme, has been providing an opportunity to change children’s lives so we are excited to continue with this legacy by starting the cricket ‘Imvuselelo’ season.
“This programme will continue to impact the lives of so many children as we also encourage them to get active, play the game they love while getting life lessons, “said KFC community social investment manager Andra Nel.

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