As the Proteas Women head into the T20 World Cup looking to claim their first world title, some of South Africa’s tiniest players are training hard to ensure they are well prepared for the call-up as the nation’s back-up team.

While the national squad competes on the global stage, KFC is shining a light on where the love of the game actually begins: grassroots cricket.

Because while pressure, expectation and history may shape the professional game, Mini-Cricketers still approach cricket with complete joy, imagination and possibility.

Introducing the Mini High-Performance Programme – a unique training experience that puts KFC Mini-Cricket players aged six to 13 through elite athlete-style preparation typically reserved for professional sportspeople.

The programme includes recovery sessions, tactical batting reviews, sprint conditioning, pressure-simulation drills and even ice baths, giving young cricketers a taste of the demands and disciplines of high-performance sport.

“As our Proteas Women show what belief and performance look like at the highest level, we wanted to celebrate where that actually begins,” said KFC Africa general manager Akhona Qengqe.

“This campaign playfully imagines what would happen if South Africa’s smallest cricketers were treated like elite athletes. The contrast is funny because the kids take it so seriously,” she says.

“But underneath the humour is something very real. These children genuinely love the game, and many of them already dream of becoming future Proteas.”

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The initiative also reinforces the very real pathway between KFC Mini-Cricket and South African cricket at the highest level.

Around 80% of the current Proteas Women’s squad began their cricket journeys in KFC Mini-Cricket, which has introduced more than 2.5 million children to the game since the inception of the programme.

“After 17 years of KFC Mini-Cricket, we remain committed to growing the game from the ground up,” Qengqe said.

“It is about celebrating these shared beginnings and realised potential, where play transforms into pride, and these mini players become tomorrow’s mighty Proteas.”

Cricket South Africa’s CEO Pholetsi Moseki said, “Our long-established partnership with KFC reinforces the shared vision we have to nurture future talent, and keep the love of the game thriving across South Africa.”