Edleen Laer take on the Proteas

SHARON Herbst from Kempton Park was the third winner in the KFC Mini-Cricket Kids vs Proteas Tour Competition.

She won the competition for her son-in-law’s primary school, Laerskool Edleen, who will take on the Proteas on November 19 in the fourth match of this exciting series.

The Proteas currently lead the seven-match series 2-1 after narrowly losing to Kenwyn Primary, so the children look forward to follow in the footsteps of their Cape Town counterparts and level things up with three matches remaining.

Sharon isn’t the biggest cricket supporter but is a fan of Jacques Kallis and the Morkel brothers. Her two sons-in-law though are heavily involved in the game, with both of them playing for Boksburg Cricket Club.

Louis Grobler, her oldest daughter’s husband, not only plays the game but is also the teacher in charge of cricket at the school.

While dropping off her youngest daughter at work, Sharon heard about the KFC Mini-Cricket Kids vs Proteas Tour Competition on the radio and thought it would be a great prize to win for Louis.

When Louis heard the news about Sharon winning, he immediately phoned the headmaster with the great news. Once all the details were finalised, a huge announcement was made at the school, with details further spread on the school newsletter and Facebook page.

The KFC Mini-Cricket programme has over 7 800 coaches getting children active throughout the country and the opportunity to have a game against the Proteas in the KFC Mini-Cricket Kids vs Proteas Tour has been as much a dream come true for them as it has been for the kids.

The Laerskool Edleen team chosen for the big game is a boys U/9 team. They will take on a mixed Proteas team made up of Faf du Plessis, Aaron Phangiso, Morne Morkel, Henry Davids, Mignon Du Preez, Marizanne Kapp, Marcia Letsoalo and Dane van Niekerk.

Louis is thrilled with the make-up of the Proteas team and the selection of the four Protea women, as he really wants to encourage more girls in the school to get active in the game and sees this as a great opportunity to create major interest.

Laerskool Edleen has an established cricket programme for its young learners with both KFC Mini-Cricket and hard ball cricket available.

In preparation for the match, Louis has no intentions of changing the training routine for his young players. They will merely have an extra practice on Friday to fine tune their skills.

In the days leading up to the match a countdown banner will be displayed at the school to build the excitement of the Proteas’ arrival.

Sharon and her whole family are so excited to see Louis’ youngsters getting active against the Proteas that they have all taken leave for the day and can’t wait to watch the match and get the chance to meet the Proteas.

The KFC Mini-Cricket Kids vs Proteas Tour is reaching all parts of the country and the excitement it has been met with at every stop is encouraging more and more kids to get involved in cricket. The future of the game is in good hands , as the stars of tomorrow are all getting active today with KFC Mini-Cricket.