Excitement filled the Arbor Park Sports Field on Saturday, September 13, as youngsters enjoyed a morning of mini cricket and sportsmanship, thanks to the annual KFC Mini Cricket Festival hosted by Newcastle regional coordinators Rishi and Nashreen Nanan.

Thirteen primary schools from Newcastle, Madadeni, and Osizweni participated in this year’s event, with 250 children ages 6-10 (boys and girls) joining in.

Each school received cricket equipment for the kids, helping to support the development of the sport. This was made possible with assistance from the KZN Inland Cricket Union.

Children, coaches and parents participated in the friendly matches.

“Today is a real family fun day but also a day for the children to learn the game and to enjoy it,” Rishi enthused.

Ajeith Ramsaroop, who introduced mini cricket in Newcastle over 20 years ago, said that mini cricket is a pure form of enjoyment for kids.

There are no losers, just winners.’

The aim is to introduce children to the game in a fun and understandable way, and to teach them to play in the true spirit of cricket.

“I want to see kids execute the basics of mini cricket,” explained Bongani Gwamanda, KFC Mini-Cricket Coordinator for the KZN Inland Cricket Union.

The national anthem was played before the games, setting the tone of camaraderie and friendship. The entire stadium joined in, creating a memorable moment for the children.

“Kids go through a lot,” said Rishi. “It was wonderful to see them just being kids – spending a day on the field, away from home, mobile phones, TV, and social media. Our festival is about fun and entertainment.”

Young faces beamed with delight when certificates of participation were presented to each learner.

Rishi thanked the schools, principals, coaches, managers, and sports directors for their interest and continuous support at our festivals.

The coordinators of the Newcastle committee are planning to host a day and night festival next year. This initiative was successfully executed before the COVID-19 pandemic, and was one of the two regions in South Africa to play ‘day and night’ games.

“We look forward to a bigger 2026 festival ahead!” Rishi concluded.

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