Mini-cricket fever hits Kwa-Thema
“At grassroots level is where the passion for the sport is developed."
Kwa-Thema – The country’s largest cricket development programme, KFC Mini-Cricket, held its latest regional tournament on Friday at the Kwa-Thema Sports Complex.
The programme provides children in local communities with the opportunity to learn about the sport through being active in the biggest grassroots sports programme in South Africa.
Learners from Kwa-Thema Primary School, Job Maseko Primary School, Zamani Primary School, Sakhelwe Primary School and Sechaba Primary School attended the festivities.
According to the Kwa-Thema Cricket Club/Hub head coach, Tebogo Gaduka, who is passionate about the development of cricket in the area, sponsors play a vital role when it comes to growing the sport in townships.
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“I know that when people hear the word sponsorship, they immediately think of money.
“However, that’s not always the case.
“As it is, we need donations of equipment, kits and food.
“KFC as a sponsor has given us the opportunity to host these learners and take them out to enjoy a day of cricket,” he said.
He also thanked the recreation facility department for cutting the grass at the cricket oval.
Thirteen-year-old batter Songezwa Ngobese from Sakhelwe Primary said he enjoys playing cricket.
“I have the most fun when I am playing cricket, and I have made a lot of friends since I joined the sport.
“It is fun and educative,” he said.
KFC Mini-Cricket coordinator Julius Maziya said their goal is to bring back learners into cricket while promoting the sporting code.
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“We have noticed that cricket is not really known, especially in our black townships, and felt that for the programme to go forward, we needed to invest in its development.
“At grassroots level is where the passion for the sport is developed.
“Cricket teaches different skills. We are not only teaching learners how to play the game but life skills as well,” said Maziya.
The programme is set to continue throughout the region while also promoting girls’ cricket.
They will host another cricket tournament on April 8.
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