EmpowerEd Bavuma cricket festival showcases rising stars
The festival featured cricket matches, life skills development sessions, education, and mentorship, equipping participants for success beyond the cricket field.
![The Temba Bavuma Foundation team.](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/DSC06270_11924-e1725535237242-780x470.jpg)
The EmpowerEd Futures Foundation and the Temba Bavuma Foundation joined forces to host the U15 EmpowerEd Bavuma Cricket Festival which took place from August 30 to September 1 at Steyn City School.
This groundbreaking event bridged the gap in South African cricket by providing a platform for young talent from disadvantaged backgrounds to shine.
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![The EmpowerEd Bavuma team.](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/DSC05332_86440-e1725535288244-520x335.jpg)
The three-day festival featured exciting cricket action, with 50-over matches and T20 games to showcase the country’s most promising young players.
Beyond the tournament, the event addressed disparities in South African cricket through life skills development sessions, education, and mentorship, equipping participants for success beyond the cricket field.
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“Our goal is to bring these talented individuals into spaces and opportunities they might not otherwise have access to,” said Yolisa Singaphi, founder of EmpowerEd Futures Foundation.
![The Temba Bavuma Foundation team warms up.](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/23/2024/09/DSC05862_26330-e1725535275664-520x335.jpg)
According to Zenande Booi, holistic and wellness lead for EmpowerEd Futures, the festival addressed disparities by focusing on aspects such as uniformity in dress, sportsmanship on the field, and maintaining cleanliness and unity.
“By emphasising these areas, we aim to promote a sense of professionalism and equality within the cricketing community,” said Booi. “We hope the festival will inspire more black cricketers to pursue their dreams with dedication and hard work. By showcasing their talent and providing support, we aim to contribute to a more diverse and competitive cricket community in South Africa.”
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