U'hage teacher takes mini-cricket accolade
[caption id="attachment_34122" align="alignright" width="405"] WELL DESERVED: Nokuzola Javu with her KFC mini-cricket coach of the year award[/caption]
UITENHAGE'S Nokuzola Javu was honoured by Cricket South Africa (CSA) when she was named the KFC mini-cricket coach of the year for 2013-14 at an awards function in Johannesburg yesterday.
Javu is a Grade 3 teacher at the Mzamonhle Special School in Uitenhage, a school she felt compelled to teach at when offered a position there 15 years ago.
It was at Mzamonhle that she was introduced to the game of mini-cricket.
Due to the environment of the Mzamonhle Special School, its mini-cricket programme is used as a tool to get children active, and help them develop confidence and a positive attitude.
"This presented a unique set of challenges, as the differently abled pupils had to play against children from more conventional backgrounds," Javu said.
However, her determination and drive inspired Cricket South Africa (CSA) and Eastern Province Cricket to create a special group for pupils with special educational needs (LSEN) schools to compete with each other, in an initiative that saw Javu become its director in the Eastern Cape.
Javu has seen Siyabulela Mantewa, one of her Mzamonhle pupils, progress through the ranks to make the Proteas' team. Mantewa's achievements are testament to the effectiveness and impact of the mini-cricket programme.
Javu was chosen from a pool of dedicated individuals around South Africa who are getting children involved in the sport.
"Looking back on another successful and highly active season of KFC mini-cricket, we are proud that not only the number of participants, but also the unique opportunities to get active have substantially increased," Lauren Turnbull, of the sponsors, said.
"Awarding the coach of the year award to Nokuzola perfectly highlights how dedicated and committed coaches from around the country are taking this programme from strength to strength.
"With more than 107000 kids from across the country actively involved in KFC mini-cricket, this number will only continue to grow as more and more kids are benefiting from the ongoing work of dynamic and committed teachers and coaches like Nokuzola."
When receiving her award, Nokuzola was quick to acknowledge and thank Naziera Jafta, Landiwe Ndongane and Timothy Rennick, who had assisted her in organising transport, branding, fixtures and promotions at their schools.
CSA youth cricket officer David Mokopanele said: "Nokuzola has managed to uplift the lives of numerous kids in the Eastern Cape. She is a role model for the rest of the country and a shining example that regardless of your ability or background, getting active with KFC mini-cricket is something that all kids in South Africa can look forward to and be a part of."
