More than 1 000 young cricketers descended on Willowmoore Park on September 11 for the Eastern Cricket Union’s KFC mini-cricket provincial festival, celebrating the growth of grassroots cricket and nurturing the next generation of Easterns stars.

The festival also showcased the impact of the programme, with graduates including Eastern Storm Colts coach Aaron Phangiso and players Martin Khumalo and Thelma Makhubela returning to an environment that helped launch their own cricket journeys.

The event was described as a huge success by Eastern Cricket Union (ECU) mini-cricket co-ordinator Julius Maziya, who said their focus this year is ensuring every child in Ekurhuleni gets an opportunity to play cricket.

“I’m happy. If you look around, there are pre-schoolers participating in the programme. That tells me that the future of Easterns cricket is secure.

“We just need to make sure the children are active and play so that when they progress to Grade One, they already have an idea,” he said.

Maziya said their main focus is on inclusive growth and making a visible impact across Ekurhuleni.

“For now, the main focus is growth because we still want the majority of children in Ekurhuleni to get the opportunity to play.

“In the past two weeks, I hosted three more coaching courses in schools in Alra Park and Zonkezizwe. I’m going to Thokoza this week. Our focus this season and for this event is on growth and developing the love and passion for the sport.”

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Rynfield Primary School pupils Saxon Metcalfe (8) and Zac Poggenpoel (8) said they enjoy cricket because of the fun and opportunities it provides.

“It’s fun. It’s good exercise and we are able to make new friends,” said Metcalfe.

Poggenpoel added: “I enjoy cricket like I enjoy all sport. My dad plays cricket with me every day.”

Nine-year-old Wandile Shabalala from Duduza already has his sights set on representing the Eastern Storm senior side one day.

“Cricket makes me happy. I started playing last year. I want to see myself playing for Eastern Storm,” he said.

For 12-year-old Olivia Burrow from Sonneveld Akademie in Brakpan, mini-cricket is an exciting introduction to the sport and provides young players with opportunities to compete and develop.

“I love cricket because there is lots of fun in the sport. I have been playing from Grade Two. Mini-cricket is fun. There are lots of competitions and opportunities,” she said.

Maziya said the provincial festival will be followed by 42 other events across the various areas of Ekurhuleni, ensuring that more children get the opportunity to experience cricket at grassroots level.