CSA names Nokuzola Javu KFC Mini-Cricket Coach of the Year

From an exceptional pool of dedicated individuals getting kids active around South Africa, Nokuzola Javu from the Eastern Cape has been named as the 2013/14 KFC Mini-Cricket Coach of the Year at the prestigious Cricket South Africa (CSA) Awards which took place on Wednesday, 4 June 2014.

“Looking back on another successful and highly active season of KFC Mini-Cricket, we are proud that not only the number of participants, but also the unique opportunities to get active have substantially increased. Awarding the coach of the Year award to Nokuzola perfectly highlights how dedicated and committed coaches from around the country are taking this programme from strength to strength,” commented Lauren Turnbull, CSI and Sponsorship Manager of KFC South Africa.

KFC Mini-Cricket gives kids of all ages and abilities the chance to get active, even those that are differently abled, physically or intellectually. Nokuzola is a grade 3 teacher at the Mzamonhle Special School in Uitenhage, a school she felt compelled to teach at when offered a position there 15 years ago. It is at Mzamonhle that she was introduced to the power and joy of sport, and more specifically KFC Mini-Cricket.

Due to the environment of the Mzamonhle Special School, its KFC Mini-Cricket programme is used as a tool to get the kids active, and help them develop confidence and a positive attitude. This presented a unique set of challenges, as the differently abled learners had to play against kids from more conventional backgrounds, which naturally affected Nokuzola’s learners. However Nokuzola’s determination and drive to get her kids active inspired Cricket South Africa and the Eastern Province Cricket Union to create a special group for LSEN schools to compete with each other, in an initiative that saw Nokuzola become its director in the Eastern Cape.

Transport was another challenge which Nokuzola had to face. As the LSEN schools in the Eastern Cape are located quite far apart, and with pupils often finishing their school days at different times depending on their individual needs, it was decided that all matches would be played in Port Elizabeth on a fortnightly basis.

By hosting these unique KFC Mini-Cricket festivals for LSEN schools at one dedicated venue, the challenge of transport was solved as LSEN schools were able to share transport and set aside specific time as a group for this exciting outing. This has not only provided a greater structure for participation, but also ensured that more kids in the Eastern Cape are regularly getting active by playing a game that they love.

Nokuzola, a mother herself, has also seen Siyabulela Mantewa, one of her young Mzamonhle learners, progress through the cricketing ranks to make the Proteas intellectually impaired team. Siyabulela’s achievements are testament to both the effectiveness and impact of the KFC Mini-Cricket programme and the talented effort and dedication of Nokuzola.

Lauren Turnbull, CSI & Sponsorship Manager of KFC South Africa comments, “With over 107 000 kids from across the country actively involved in KFC Mini-Cricket, this number will only continue to grow as more and more kids are benefiting from the work of dynamic and committed teachers and coaches like Nokuzola.”

When receiving her award, Nokuzola was quick to acknowledge and thank Naziera Jafta, Landiwe Ndongane and Timothy Rennick, who had assisted her in organising transport, branding, fixtures and promoting KFC Mini-Cricket at their schools.

David Mokopanele, Youth Cricket Officer from Cricket South Africa concludes, “Nokuzola has managed to uplift the lives of numerous kids in the Eastern Cape. She is a role model for the rest of the country and a shining example that regardless of your ability or background, getting active with KFC Mini-Cricket is something that all kids in South Africa can look forward to and be a part of. We are so proud to have her as our Mini-Cricket Coach of the Year.”