KFC Mini-Cricket brings the fun to kids in Eastern Cape - Kei Cricket

 

The time has finally arrived for the youngsters in parts of the Eastern Cape to get active again and play with joy in their hearts and smiles on their faces as the KFC Mini-Cricket Activation Programme visits schools in Ngqeleni, Centane, Lusikisiki and Bizana this week between 27-28 May 2021.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) in partnership with KFC hosted four thrilling cricket spectacles featuring the official CSA mascot, ZAC, and provincial ambassadors including Border Cricket stalwart and ex-Protea, Mfuneko Ngam and Momentum Proteas’ Zintle Mali, who engaged with the learners.

The first stop was at the Old Bunting Junior Secondary School in Ngqeleni before they proceeded to Tiyo Soga Primary School in Centane later in the day. The week was rounded off by activations at Masobhuza Primary School in Lusikisiki and finally, Esitofini Primary School.

These KFC Mini-Cricket Activation Programme form part of a 2020/21 KFC Mini-Cricket season relaunch undertaken by CSA to help provide an enjoyable but more importantly, safe environment for the kids to get active after a prolonged absence caused by the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.

Ahead of the resumption, to ensure the players, coaches and teachers’ safety, KFC Mini-Cricket identified non-hotspot regions across the country where non-contact school sport can take place.

They have also procured Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and sanitisers for all participating schools, provided extra playing equipment to limit sharing between players, as well as arrange a Safety Officer to help facilitate the COVID-19 protocols for each school.

CSA’s Mass Participation Coordinator, Buhle Motshegoa is pleased with how the inland Eastern Cape-leg of the KFC Mini-Cricket Regional Festivals went, highlighting the huge excitement for the programme as well as the bright talent on show in the province. A province that produced the likes of Proteas legends; Makhaya Ntini and Mark Boucher, along with former mini-cricketer and current Proteas Women star, Ayabonga Khaka.

“We are happy that the 2020/21 KFC Mini-Cricket season was able to get underway in the form of the Activation Programmes and that once again we get to see our mini cricketers and coaches play with smiles on their faces,” Motshegoa commented.

“As soon as we set foot in Ngqeleni, you could sense the excitement in the air, and passion for the game of cricket from all those involved in making the two-day cricketing spectacle a resounding success, while we strictly adhered to the COVID-19 health regulations.

“Although getting kids active in a fun and enjoyable way is the main goal, we also got to witness some sensational talent on the field, between both the boys and girls. This bodes well, not only for the growth of the KFC Mini-Cricket programme but also for the South African cricket pipeline,” she added.

 

About KFC Mini-Cricket:

KFC Mini-Cricket provides a platform for kids in South Africa to have fun and get active. KFC Mini-Cricket is the largest grassroots development sports programme in South Africa and is also an essential building block for learning cricketing basics and entrenching a love for the game. 

As of the 2019/2020 season, there are 126 642 kids from 6617 schools active in the KFC Mini-Cricket programme who are coached by 13 673 volunteer coaches. KFC has sponsored KFC Mini-Cricket since 2010 and in the 2012/13 cricket season KFC became the title sponsor of the KFC T20 Internationals.

For more information, please visit https://order.kfc.co.za/minicricket/minicrickethome.

CSA Mascot ZAC in action with pupil from Tiyo Soga Primary School at KFC Mini-Cricket Activation Programme at Tiyo Soga Primary School in Centane on 27 May 2021 © Bheki Radebe/Backpages.

Aspiring cricketer, Aphumelele Qebeyi from Tiyo Soga Primary School in the zone at the crease during the KFC Mini-Cricket Activation Programme at Tiyo Soga Primary School in Centane on 27 May 2021 © Bheki Radebe/Backpages

Endinakho Marhubeni from Old Bunting JSS playing a lofted hook shot during the KFC Mini-Cricket Activation Programme hosted at Old Bunting Junior Secondary School in Ngqeleni on 27 May 2021 © Bheki Radebe/Backpages

Old Bunting Junior Secondary School’s Liyema Dlanjwa in full flight as the kids get active during the KFC Mini-Cricket Activation Programme at Old Bunting Junior Secondary School in Ngqeleni on 27 May 2021 © Bheki Radebe/Backpages

KFC Mini-Cricket Kids conquer Proteas to level series

The 2016/17 KFC Mini-Cricket Kids vs Proteas Tour came to an exciting end after the kids overcame the Proteas for the second consecutive week to claim a 2-2 series result.  The Proteas travelled to the famous Khaya Majola oval in Mthatha to take on the KFC Mini-Cricket kids from Zamaxolo Junior Secondary School in the Tour decider.  The Proteas took a 2-1 series lead into the game but were weary of the on-form kids after their emphatic victory in Durban.  The kids put on yet another stellar display, claiming victory with more than an over to spare to level up the series and to end the Tour honours even.

Stellar fielding, vocal supporters and line and length bowling from Zamaxolo JSS was the theme of the first innings as the Proteas found runs hard to come by.  Wickets were lost to run outs at regular intervals as the kids heaped the pressure on their opponents. Captain on the day, batsman Temba Bavuma, along with Eastern Cape local boy, Jon-Jon Smuts, did their best to keep the runs ticking over.  In the end the Proteas were able to set the kids a target of 38 to win.

The opening overs of the second innings once again proved a tight affair with the kids finding the likes of Eddie Leie hard to get away.  A rare miss-field from Reeza Hendricks and a big over off Bavuma’s bowling however gave the kids a sniff at victory.  From then onward they dominated and a massive over off of Jon-Jon Smuts saw them home with 8 balls to spare.

KFC Mini-Cricket all-star coach and former Protea, Mfunkeo Ngam, who has remained unbeaten in the 4 year history of the Tour, was immensely proud of his young team.  “The Proteas last won in 2013/14 so to have now gone 3 tours without a series loss is a phenomenal achievement.  There was pressure on our team today to come up with a result and the kids certainly delivered.  They went up against some of the stars of world cricket this season so they should be hugely proud of their performance, not only today but over the entire Tour.  KFC Mini-Cricket continues to go from strength to strength and I can’t wait to have another crack at the Proteas in the 2017/18 season” said Ngam.

The player of the match performance by Zamaxolo’s Anele Nunu was testament to the kids’ brilliant showing. The highlight of his unbeaten 15 runs was a brilliant reverse sweep over the wicketkeeper’s head which proved the defining moment and set his team on the path to victory.

Proteas captain on the day, Temba Bavuma, was pleased with his team’s performance over the season and equally impressed by the level of talent witnessed in this season’s KFC Mini-Cricket Kids vs Proteas Tour.  “We have been on a good run of form recently and although we couldn’t deliver today, we are pleased to have shared the spoils with the KFC Mini-Cricket Kids.  The kids have been tough opponents over the years and this year was no different.  They put up a real fight and I’m sure KFC will be thrilled at the level of talent emerging.  This is always one of the most exciting events on the Proteas calendar and we are already looking forward to the 2017/18 tour,” he said.

The Proteas won the inaugural KFC Mini-Cricket Kids vs Proteas Tour in 2013/14. The 2014/15 Tour, was won by the kids with the 2015/16 Tour ending in a 2-2 draw.  With this season ending 2-2, both teams will be eager to continue their great form when the Tour returns for a 5^th edition later in 2017.

Mike Middleton, Chief Marketing Officer for KFC South Africa concluded, “Congratulations to both teams on one of the best ever KFC Mini-Cricket Kids vs Proteas Tours.  We travelled the length and breadth of South Africa playing four exciting games.  We gave aspiring young cricketers the once in a lifetime opportunity to get active and take on their heroes, and we witnessed some amazing displays from the current and future stars of South African cricket.  We can’t wait to do it again in 2017/18, it will once again be even bigger and better and I’m sure the KFC Mini-Cricket kids will once again be a formidable challenge for the Proteas.”

KFC Mini-Cricket is played by over 114,000 kids who are coached by nearly 9000 volunteer coaches. 

To get your child involved in KFC Mini-Cricket or to volunteer as a coach visit www.kfcminicricket.co.za

{ENDS}

Media Contact

Shawn Belluigi

Tel: 083 675 4338

Email: shawn@intunecom.co.za

About the KFC Mini-Cricket Kids v Proteas Tour

For the third year KFC will run a national competition where KFC Mini-Cricket kids will stand the chance to play against the Proteas in the KFC Mini-Cricket Kids vs Proteas Tour

Kids can enter online (www.kfcminicricket.co.za) or via USSD (*120*7535#)

The winners will be rewarded with a prize handover, a training session and a game against the Proteas, all assisted by one of the three KFC Mini-Cricket coaches, Graeme Smith, Neil McKenzie and Mfuneko Ngam.

The runners-up will be given the opportunity to participate as ball boys and girls at a televised Ram Slam T20 Challenge match in their area

Three third place winners will be drawn, each of whom will be awarded with 25 KFC Mini-Cricket sets for their school.

About KFC Mini-Cricket

KFC Mini-Cricket provides a platform for kids in South Africa to have fun and get active

KFC Mini-Cricket is the largest grassroots development sports programme in South Africa and is also an essential building block for learning cricketing basics and entrenching a love for the game. 

There are currently over 110 000 kids from over 4 900 schools active in the KFC Mini-Cricket programme who are coached by over 8000 volunteers

KFC has sponsored KFC Mini-Cricket since 2010 and in the 2012/13 cricket season KFC became the title sponsor of the KFC T20 Internationals and an associate sponsor of the Ram Slam T20 Challenge.

KFC has recently renewed its Mini-Cricket sponsorship for a further 10 years, taking the partnership through to 2025

Log on to www.kfcminicricket.co.za or contact CSA at (011) 880 2810 for more info on KFC Mini-Cricket

Nomandi JSS get kids off to a winning start in Kids vs Proteas opener

Nomandi Junior Secondary School got the KFC mini-cricket kids off to a winnings start when they beat the Proteas by 46 runs in the season’s first KFC mini-cricket Kids vs Proteas tour match at the Khaya Majola Oval in Mthatha on Thursday.

The kids batted first, posting a tournament record 87 runs in their allotted eight overs, in a match that was watched by more than 1,200 mini-cricket players who played in the Kei Provincial festival earlier in the day. The Proteas in attendance were Wayne Parnell, Marchant de Lange, David Wiese, Mignon du Preez, Marcia Letsoalo, Ayabonga Khaka and Zintle Mali.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) Manager: Mass Participation, David Mokopanele was utterly impressed by the turn out for the festival as well as the talent that was on display during the Kids’ match.

“This has to be the best match we have ever watched between the Proteas and any kids’ team and we’re going into the tournament’s third season now,” he said. “Our national team were treated to a truly competitive match with lots of skills and talent on show. We are happy to see that level of attention to detail in children at under-10 stage and we were glad to see them win in the end after putting on such a fine performance.

“The festival itself was also an absolute pleasure to be a part of. Young children who take their game so seriously bode well for the future of the game. To see more than 1 000 enthusiastic and excited cricketers on one field made for an enjoyable day all-round,” Mokopanele concluded.

The Nomandi team were given a private coaching session with former Proteas fast bowler, Mfuneko Ngam in preparation for this match. After seeing them, he felt that they did not need any extra coaching as the team exceeded all his expectations.

“I got to the school expecting to do a bit of coaching, but I was massively impressed by the level of skill displayed by this team,” he commented. “The fielding was sharp and on point, the bowling was second to none for that age group and the batting was exactly as it should be. I told them myself that the Proteas would have their hands full and boy did they.”

Nomandi won the match against the Proteas after they entered the KFC mini-cricket Kids vs Proteas online and SMS competition. Kids can enter online (www.kfcminicricket.co.za) or via USSD (*120*7535#).

ENDS

About the KFC Mini-Cricket Kids v Proteas Tour

For the third year KFC will run a national competition where KFC Mini-Cricket kids will stand the chance to play against the Proteas in the KFC Mini-Cricket Kids vs Proteas Tour

The winners will be rewarded with a prize handover, a training session and a game against the Proteas, all assisted by one of the three KFC Mini_Cricket coaches, Graeme Smith, Neil McKenzie and Mfuneko Ngam.

The runners-up will be given the opportunity to participate as ball boys and girls at a televised Ram Slam T20 Challenge match in their area

Three third place winners will be drawn, each of whom will be awarded with 25 KFC Mini-Cricket sets for their school.

About KFC Mini-Cricket

KFC Mini-Cricket provides a platform for kids in South Africa to have fun and get active

KFC Mini-Cricket is the largest grassroots development sports programme in South Africa and is also an essential building block for learning cricketing basics and entrenching a love for the game. 

There are currently over 110 000 kids from over 4 900 schools active in the KFC Mini-Cricket programme who are coached by over 8000 volunteers

KFC has sponsored KFC Mini-Cricket since 2010 and in the 2012/13 cricket season KFC became the title sponsor of the KFC T20 Internationals and an associate sponsor of the Ram Slam T20 Challenge.

KFC has recently renewed its Mini-Cricket sponsorship for a further 10 years, taking the partnership through to 2025

Log on to www.kfcminicricket.co.za or contact CSA at (011) 880 2810 for more info on KFC Mini-Cricket

Nomandi Junior Secondary School’s KFC Mini-Cricket Kids to Challenge the Proteas

Nomandi Junior Secondary School’s KFC Mini-Cricket Kids to Challenge the Proteas

KFC Mini-Cricket Kids vs. Proteas Tour begins

20 October 2015. The biggest tour of the summer is upon us and KFC is proud to announce Nomandi Junior Secondary School from Mthatha as the Proteas’ first opponents in the action packed 2015/16 KFC Mini-Cricket Kids vs. Proteas Tour. 

Nomandi will be hosting and taking on the Proteas after being drawn as the first winners of the KFC Mini-Cricket Kids vs. Proteas Tour competition.

Mike Middleton, Chief Marketing Officer for KFC South Africa comments, “At KFC we take pride in the fact that we are able to get kids active and bring them closer to their cricketing heroes through KFC Mini-Cricket.  We extend our congratulations to Nomandi Junior Secondary School, it will be a once in a lifetime experience for the kids and I am confident they will do KFC proud in their match against the Proteas.”

Eastern Cape cricketing legend and KFC Mini-Cricket coach, Mfuneko Ngam, who will be helping Nomandi Junior Secondary School prepare for their match-up against the Proteas, payed the school a surprise visit to announce the fixture and to treat them to an impromptu training session.

Ngam commented, “I am honoured to take on the role of KFC Mini-Cricket coach to Nomandi Junior Secondary School.  Having had a first look at my team at today’s training session it is clear that they have some immense talent in their ranks and I am sure that we will be giving the Proteas a good run come the 29^th October.”

The match-up at Nomandi Junior Secondary School will be the first of four games making up the KFC Mini-Cricket Kids vs. Proteas Tour with further matches taking place in Durban; Johannesburg and Cape Town.  In addition to Ngam, KFC have also signed-up legendary cricketers Graeme Smith and Neil Mckenzie who will also serve as KFC Mini-Cricket coaches during the Tour.

The fixture between Nomandi Junior Secondary School and the Proteas will take place on the 29^th October 2015 and Proteas star batsman JP Duminy believes both teams will be eager to gain an early lead in the series.

“It’s going to be a long tour but the Proteas are up for the challenge.  We won’t be underestimating the KFC Mini-Cricket kids from Nomandi Junior Secondary School but we are confident of taking an early series lead come game 1 in the Eastern Cape.”

The Proteas play Nomandi Junior Secondary School at Khaya Majola Oval, Mthatha on 29^th October 2015 at 12:00. The event is open to the public.  Come down and support the Eastern Cape’s KFC Mini-Cricket kids and get closer to your heroes, the Proteas. 

Three spaces are still up for grabs for your primary school’s or cricket club’s KFC Mini-Cricket team to host and take on the Proteas.  Dial *120*7535# or visit www.kfcminicricket.co.za now to enter.

{ENDS}

Media Contact

Shawn Belluigi

Tel: 083 675 4338

Email: shawn@intunecom.co.za

About the KFC Mini-Cricket Kids v Proteas Tour

For the third year KFC will run a national competition where KFC Mini-Cricket kids will stand the chance to play against the Proteas in the KFC Mini-Cricket Kids vs Proteas Tour

Kids can enter online (www.kfcminicricket.co.za) or via USSD (*120*7535#)

The winners will be rewarded with a prize handover, a training session and a game against the Proteas, all assisted by one of the three KFC Mini_Cricket coaches, Graeme Smith, Neil McKenzie and Mfuneko Ngam.

The runners-up will be given the opportunity to participate as ball boys and girls at a televised Ram Slam T20 Challenge match in their area

Three third place winners will be drawn, each of whom will be awarded with 25 KFC Mini-Cricket sets for their school.

About KFC Mini-Cricket

KFC Mini-Cricket provides a platform for kids in South Africa to have fun and get active

KFC Mini-Cricket is the largest grassroots development sports programme in South Africa and is also an essential building block for learning cricketing basics and entrenching a love for the game. 

There are currently over 110 000 kids from over 4 900 schools active in the KFC Mini-Cricket programme who are coached by over 8000 volunteers

KFC has sponsored KFC Mini-Cricket since 2010 and in the 2012/13 cricket season KFC became the title sponsor of the KFC T20 Internationals and an associate sponsor of the Ram Slam T20 Challenge.

KFC has recently renewed its Mini-Cricket sponsorship for a further 10 years, taking the partnership through to 2025

Log on to www.kfcminicricket.co.za or contact CSA at (011) 880 2810 for more info on KFC Mini-Cricket