Eight young cricketers from Bayview Primary School in Helenvale were lucky enough to spend some time with the Proteas during their series against Zimbabwe.
Bayview deputy principal, Belinda Allie, along with pupils from her school, were attending the KFC Mini-Cricket Provincial Festival, which was held at the Khayalethu Youth Centre on Saturday.
Under the guidance of Allie, who co-ordinates mini-cricket in the northern areas, the pupils, a mix of boys and girls, had the chance to spend time with the Proteas, and listen to them talk about what it means to represent one’s country, along with other activities.
“This trip was a first for many of our children, and they had the time of their lives, from the time they got off the plane, they were just struck by what was going on around them,” Allie said.
Allie and the Helenvale school were one of three schools, part of the KFC Mini-Cricket programme, to be awarded this opportunity after she had entered the school into a nationwide competition.
Grade 6 pupil Vanashree Brown, 11, who hopes to one day become a female Protea, said it was a wonderful experience and, after the trip, she knew that it could be done with hard work.
Grade 5 pupil Kieron Lottering, 11, said: “After meeting the Proteas, we must say thanks to everyone, including our teacher Mam Allie and Mrs du Plessis, for making this possible.”
More than 900 excited pupils from schools across the Eastern Province region attended the two-hour regional event at the weekend and did what children do best – had a lot of fun.
They were joined by teachers, representatives from the KFC Mini-Cricket programme and coaches, as well as Warriors stars Basheer Walters and Somila Seyibokwe.
The rules were simple. Each player got to bowl an over and then bat for an over, while every player also got the chance to field in each fielding position.
The format is ideal for introducing kids to the game as it allows for participation by all of the players.
KFC mini-cricket provincial co-ordinator Gugu Ndulama said: “All we want is for them to come in, have fun, and hit some cricket balls.”