Queens High hosts KFC Mini-Cricket programme milestone event
The festival was also a celebration for KFC's 10-year milestone in partnership with Cricket South Africa.
Gauteng KFC Mini-Cricket held its most recent festival at Queens High School on November 9.
The festival was also a celebration for KFC’s 10-year milestone in partnership with Cricket South Africa.
Over 900 children from different parts of Gauteng attended the festival.
KFC Mini-Cricket is the brain child of Cricket SA and was launched during the 1982-83 cricket season to encourage the growth and development of cricket among boys and girls.
The programme brings youngsters from different backgrounds together and introduces them to cricket.
The children had a fun-filled afternoon playing cricket and interacting with Central Gauteng Lions players Kagiso Rapulana and Miguel Pretorius.
The EXPRESS had the opportunity to chat with the Lions players about their involvement in the programme and what it means to them as professional cricket players.
“It’s amazing for me to be part of mini-cricket because this is where it all started for me. To see the children embracing the sport and to witness their joy in playing the game is amazing,” said Pretorius.
He felt fortunate to be able to give back to the programme.
He encouraged young cricketers to grab the opportunity the programme offers with both hands.
“There is a career in cricket, but just like any other career it requires dedication and commitment,” said Pretorius.
Rapulana said he would have loved to be part of the programme at a younger age.
“I started playing cricket when I was a bit older than the KFC Mini-Cricket children. I would have loved to have been part of a programme like this.
“The children have so much fun and it was easy to assist their coaches at the festival because the children were all willing to learn how to play better,” said Rapulana.
KFC SA’s CSI manager, Andra Nel, said the programme is more than just cricket to the children.
“The programme also teaches the children life lessons. The programme remains one of the most impactful and significant development programmes in the South African sporting landscape and goes far beyond the game of cricket,” said Nel.
KFC Mini-Cricket also recognised and appreciated five volunteer coaches for their tireless efforts and unwavering contribution to the programme.
Makhosazana Tshabalala from Gordon Combined School in Alexandra was one of the teachers to be recognised.
“The programme means a lot to the children because they make new friends and enjoy themselves by participating in the cricket games. They learn more than just playing cricket,” said Tshabalala.
