KFC Mini-Cricket Kids from Nomandi Junior Secondary School from Port St Johns in the Eastern Cape spent a morning training and getting active at Buffalo Park in East London on Monday 8 October 2018.

The KFC Mini-Cricket kids had the pleasure of being coached by former Proteas player Robin Peterson in the morning and then getting active in a fitness session run by Greg King with Proteas players Junior Dala, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller and Quinton de Kock.

The players know the importance of fitness and skills so they assisted the KFC Mini-Cricket players through the various tasks that they had to do to make sure that they did them correctly and that the had as much fun as possible.

‘I remember going to the nets in Port Elizabeth when I was young to get signatures and see how my heroes played but this initiative is far better because it is more hands-on and the kids can get to see the players up close and personal and get advice and encouragement from their Proteas heroes,’ said Robin Peterson.

‘I am here this week to facilitate in teaching the kids’ life skills and helping the cricket coaches. The kids see that their heroes are down to earth and humble human beings and that the kids can also be there one day if they are dedicated. The actual lesson that can be learned today is not only that they will be the next best cricketer, but they can be the best in whatever they want to do if they work hard in anything what they want to be.’

‘We showed them that there is more to being a Protea than just the game that we play on the field. I hope that we will be good role models for the Proteas, it takes hard work and dedication and it is something that you need to show kids through your actions and not something that you can just tell them,’ said Junior Dala. ‘The kids have a lot of enthusiasm and they just need to keep it up and enjoy the game.

Visuals: Cricket South Africa