KFC Mini-Cricket Programme Celebrates Teachers Who Continue To Level The Playing Field

KFC Mini-Cricket Programme Celebrates Teachers Who Continue To Level The Playing Field

JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) and KFC South Africa celebrate the globally renowned World Teachers’ Day, which recognises and celebrates teachers across the world.

Teachers play a vital role in the KFC Mini-Cricket Programme as volunteer coaches who continue to inspire and provide an opportunity for young boys and girls to be the best versions of themselves.

With over 13 000 KFC Mini-Cricket volunteer coaches that are qualified or retired educators across 6000 schools nationwide, it’s no wonder the KFC Mini-Cricket programme has such a strong foundation.

As administrators of this grassroots programme, the network of volunteers leaves an undeniable impression on the lives of many children, igniting their passion for cricket, and imparting qualities of teamwork, integrity and friendship.

Logan Naina, Principal of Dalpark Private School Brakpan and KFC Mini-Cricket Bucket Loads of Good Award winner 2022/2023, has genuinely personified the spirit of the KFC Mini-Cricket Programme. With staunch commitment and enthusiasm, he has not only discovered his passion for teaching but has also been a shining example of the program’s influence.

“I have continued to embrace the incredible journey of being a teacher, where my passion and purpose is to change lives. It’s an absolute privilege to be acknowledged for the extraordinary career that I have passionately pursued. As teachers, we have the power to create a brilliant flame within ourselves and others, for the world thrives on the staunch dedication of exceptional teachers like us! We possess an incredible power to shape the fundamental structure of a child’s life.

As we come together to celebrate and uplift one another on this extraordinary day alongside my amazing colleagues. Let us embrace and rejoice in the incredible impact we have as teachers and volunteer coaches. We are making a difference that goes beyond the ordinary, and that is truly something to be celebrated and honoured.”

Andra Nel, KFC Marketing Manager: Brand and Purpose, expressed her gratitude to all the teachers who are also volunteer coaches for the KFC Mini-Cricket programme.

“Being a teacher goes beyond the classroom for many of our KFC Mini-Cricket volunteer coaches and coordinators, and commemorative days like this remind us to show appreciation.

“Our KFC Mini-Cricket coaches are not only educators, but they are truly the heartbeat of the programme. We hope they remain inspired to continue making a meaningful contribution to society and to level the playing field for each boy and girl they encounter,” said Nel.

CSA Chief Executive Officer, Pholetsi Moseki, said.

“In honouring World Teachers’ Day, CSA and KFC extend their heartfelt gratitude to the exceptional teachers who double as volunteer coaches in the KFC Mini-Cricket programme.

“These dedicated educators extend their roles beyond classrooms, shaping the future of thousands of young boys and girls nationwide. Their commitment resonates far beyond the cricket field, instilling values of teamwork, integrity, and friendship.

“As we celebrate this Global Day of Significance, we acknowledge the invaluable impact these teachers have, not just on the game of cricket, but on the lives, they touch, inspiring the youth and nurturing the spirit of sportsmanship. Their unwavering dedication illuminates the path for the aspiring cricketers of tomorrow, and for that, we are profoundly thankful,” Moseki concluded.

Global Teachers Day is celebrated annually on the 5th of October worldwide. For more information on the KFC Mini-Cricket programme, visit website https://purpose.kfc.co.za/mini-cricket/

ENDS

Issued by: Cricket South Africa – Corporate Communications

ABOUT CRICKET SOUTH AFRICA

Cricket South Africa (CSA), an affiliate of the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) and a full member of the International Cricket Council (ICC), is the national governing body for the sport of cricket in South Africa and administers all aspects of South African cricket, men, and women, both in the professional and amateur sphere.

ABOUT KFC MINI-CRICKET

KFC Mini-Cricket provides a platform for kids in South Africa to have fun and get active. KFC Mini-Cricket is one of the largest grassroots development sports programmes in South Africa and is also an essential building block for learning cricketing basics and entrenching a love for the game. This is the 40th anniversary of Mini-Cricket in South Africa and 14th season of KFC’s sponsorship. In the previous full season, 2019/20 there were over 126 000 kids from over 6600 schools active in the KFC Mini-Cricket programme who are coached by over 13 600 volunteer coaches. Year on year there are a minimum of 45 000 matches played each year. KFC has sponsored KFC Mini-Cricket since 2010 and in the 2012/13 cricket season KFC became the title sponsor of the KFC T20 Internationals.