CGL launches KFC Mini-Cricket 2021/22 Season with a bang

South Africa’s leading cricket development programme KFC Mini-Cricket commenced its season as the annual KFC Mini-Cricket provincial seminar moved to the Imperial Wanderers Cricket Stadium where the Gauteng Cricket Union hosted its seminar on October 14.

The annual seminars are crucial in getting all the volunteers, administrators and key stakeholders of the programme together to strategise the season ahead, as well as reflect on the previous season’s successes and challenges.

The overarching theme of this year’s KFC Mini-Cricket festival is Imvuselelo or Recovery as South Africa continues to recover and rebuild from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The KFC Mini-Cricket programme has given all involved a renewed sense of hope for South Africa’s young cricket fanatics ahead of the 2021/22 season.

The 2021/22 season is a milestone one as KFC enters its 12th year as sponsor and partner of Cricket South Africa for the KFC Mini-Cricket programme while celebrating its 50th year in South Africa.

“This year is a momentous occasion for us as we turn 50 in South Africa. That’s 50 years of spreading finger-lickin’ goodness. There is no better way to celebrate our milestone than by recognising our phenomenal volunteer coaches and coordinators,” said KFC CSI manager Andra Ferreira Nel.

“These inspiring individuals epitomise all that is great about South Africa. Their selfless dedication allows the programme to be all-inclusive and teach children important life skills whilst they get active in a fun and healthy way by playing a sport they love.

“They champion the spirit of community by keeping the Mini-Cricket flame alive in their corners of our country and we could not be prouder to partner with them for the coming season,” said Ferreira Nel.

While safety remains the paramount priority, there is a tangible excitement about getting back onto the field and playing the game that everyone loves.

Since the inception of the programme, approximately 2.5 million children have played KFC Mini-Cricket and over 120 players have gone on to play for South Africa in various teams.

The programme plays a crucial role in CSA’s development framework as over 2 000 players have been identified in the programme and have been directed to their respective development hubs and regional performance centres.