KFC Mini-Cricket Kids win first match against Proteas in the KFC Mini-Cricket Kids vs Proteas Tour

The KFC Mini-Cricket kids from Abinala Primary School took on the Proteas in the first KFC Mini-Cricket Kids vs Proteas Tour match, which took place on Monday, 19 February at the kids’ school in Vosloorus, Gauteng.

The highly action-packed encounter saw the KFC Mini-Cricket kids overpower the Proteas, winning by 7 runs to go 1-0 in the tour.

The Proteas team was led by Andile Phehlukwayo, and included current KFC T20 International captain, JP Duminy, Jon-Jon Smuts, Dane Paterson, Mignon du Preez, Trish Chetty, Reeza Hendricks and AB de Villiers.

The kids won the toss and their skipper, Thabang Sithole, decided to bat first. Sithole set a good example by getting off to a quick start, hitting 10 runs off his 6 balls. He was well supported by Man of the Match, Thato Sedibe, who also scored 10 runs.

At the end of their 8 overs the KFC Mini-Cricket kids had 47 runs on the board.

The Proteas got off to a slow start and after time was up for their first pair, Reeza Hendricks and Jon-Jon Smuts, they only had 6 runs on the board. JP Duminy (9) and Dane Paterson (11) tried to get the Proteas back on track in their run chase but the KFC Mini-Cricket kids just had too many runs on the board.

KFC Mini-Cricket Kids vs Proteas Tour competition winner and mother of the Abinala Primary School captain, Puleng Sithole, said: “I was so excited to meet the Proteas players and to bring this initiative to my child’s school.

"The Proteas were amazing with the kids and encouraged them to continue to play cricket. I hope that this experience will get my kids to work towards their dreams because anything is possible, even becoming a Proteas player.”

The KFC Mini-Cricket Kids lead the Proteas 1-0 with two matches still to be played. Up next, St Andrews Primary School from Saldanha Bay will go up against the Proteas at PPC Newlands Cricket Ground on 22 February.

One spot is still up for grabs and schools or cricket clubs can stand a chance to take on the Proteas in the KFC Mini-Cricket Kids vs Proteas Tour, by simply dialling *120*7535# or visiting www.kfc.co.za/minicricket now to enter!

Top Mpumalanga primary school registers for the Danone Nations Cup

As entries keep coming in for the under-12 Danone Nations Cup, the signs are pointing to it being a bumper edition of what is already the biggest school soccer tournament in the land.

Among the schools who have already registered are Sekhusile Primary School of the Ehlanzeni district in Mpumalanga, the runners-up at the 2017 national finals of the competition.

They first entered the tournament in 2004 and last year was the first time that they had made it to the nationals. Before then, the school would usually lose at the regional finals.

According to Chippa Nkalanga, the team manager, it was a huge achievement for the school to make it to the national finals. “The Danone Nations Cup is a very competitive tournament especially with an overseas trip as the incentive,” he said.

“We never thought we would reach that far, and to then get into the final match was fantastic for us.  It was a close match.  Both teams had good players and there were plenty of opportunities for both sides.  Unfortunately for us it was Mophela from KwaZulu-Natal that put the ball in the net and they beat us 2 – 0 to win the trip to the USA to compete in the world finals.”

The school is busy with preparations for this year. Only one player from last year’s team is still there, and they have already started playing against local club teams to get into shape.

“Our aim is obviously to win the national finals,” Nkalanga said. “Many of the players have never travelled out of the province and it would be a great opportunity if they could travel overseas to see different places.”

Schools can register for the competition by contacting the national coordinator at the SA Schools Football Association (SASFA), Themba Tshabalala, on 011 403 2844, 084 290 0602 or 072 588 4957. Alternatively, they can visit the Danone Nations Cup South Africa Facebook page or go to www.facebook.com/dncsouthafrica to download the necessary documents. (Documents are always on Danone.co.za)

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About Danone

Danone Southern Africa is part of the Danone Group, one of the fastest-growing food companies in the world.  Danone is present in over 120 countries across all continents. With 160 plants and around 100,000 employees, the Danone Group is the number one worldwide for Fresh Dairy Products. Danone’s mission is to bring health through food to as many people as possible.

One of the core values of the Danone Nations Cup tournament is to encourage young people to believe in their dreams. Through this initiative Danone offers a sporting event that reaches out to and inspires millions of children all over the world

PRESS RELEASE: Gauteng primary school enters the Danone Nations Cup for the first time

As entries keep coming in for the under-12 Danone Nations Cup, the signs are pointing to it being a bumper edition of what is already the biggest under-12 school soccer tournament in the land.

Many schools have entered for the first time including Curro Wilgeheuwel of the Johannesburg West region.

According to Tshepiso More, the school sports coordinator and team manager, the school only opened in January last year and he found out about the Danone Nations Cup through Facebook. He wanted to get them involved because he believes it’s a way of giving children an opportunity to become professional players.  It introduces them to competitive soccer which he feels is important. 

“I’m thrilled to be a part of this huge tournament.” He said.  “It won’t be easy in our first time entering, but it’s learning experience for us.”

He is currently conducting trials to select the team and most of the players that were in last year’s under-11 team belong top local clubs such as Panorama and Supersport United.

“They are the right age this year and because they play for clubs and compete in local leagues they won’t be under pressure when they play in the cluster level of the tournament,” More said. “I want the players to get as much exposure in soccer as they can. It’s important for children to keep activate in sport as it helps to build their confidence, teaches them trust and team work and they develop great relationships with their teammates.  It also keeps them healthy and off the couch where kids today are inclined to end up playing video games.”

More said that last year was spent training rather than competing in any tournaments and playing against other schools, so he is not sure who the school will be meeting in their local cluster games which kick-off in a couple of months.  “We are still in the building phase and I am using this opportunity to test my boys and build a competitive culture in our sports department. We are only a year old and I have a number of sporting codes to get up and running and I am using the Danone Nations Cup to encourage all my sports teams.”

Schools can register for the competition by contacting the national coordinator at the SA Schools Football Association (SASFA), Themba Tshabalala, on 011 403 2844, 084 290 0602 or 072 588 4957. Alternatively, they can visit the Danone Nations Cup South Africa Facebook page or go to www.facebook.com/dncsouthafrica to download the necessary documents. (Documents are always on Danone.co.za also)

DNC Partners:                                                     

                                                                                                                                      

Sports lifestyle brand

About Danone

Danone Southern Africa is part of the Danone Group, one of the fastest-growing food companies in the world.  Danone is present in over 120 countries across all continents. With 160 plants and around 100,000 employees, the Danone Group is the number one worldwide for Fresh Dairy Products. Danone’s mission is to bring health through food to as many people as possible.

One of the core values of the Danone Nations Cup tournament is to encourage young people to believe in their dreams. Through this initiative Danone offers a sporting event that reaches out to and inspires millions of children all over the world