The KwaZulu-Natal Cricket Union and the Future Kings initiative have joined forces to encourage young men to be the best versions of themselves through their actions and taking responsibility in their life journeys.
Founder of the programme Rams Mabote felt that something had to be done how men were acting in society. Teaching young men and boys about what is acceptable and how they should act are at the crux of the programme.
‘Future Kings was started as a response to the role men are playing in destroying society through women abuse, sexual violence and crime in general,’ said Mabote.
‘We aim to create the next generation of men to set a better standard and get them to contribute positively to the growth of society. We do this through mentorship of teenage boys by exposing them to platforms where they can have hope again, and serve their communities.
‘We use platforms like cricket and sport in general to connect boys with their role models, which make boys dream about success and how they can use sport to contribute to society.’
The Dolphins franchise have a number of players that have represented South Africa across the world and will be endorsing the Future Kings initiative. Having decided on the partnership with Mabote, marketing and PR manager of KZN Cricket, Nana Ngubane, believes that KZN Cricket and the Future Kings initiative are a perfect fit.
‘Future Kings is an organisation that is a seamless fit to the narrative of KZN Cricket Union about mentoring young talent,’ she said.
‘Future Kings bring the mentorship balance into the equation. Celebrating the good guy, the guy that stands tall and proud for his community and leads by example by paving the way for those that are walking behind him. He stands up against abuse, bullying and crime.
‘I encourage KZN fans to stand up and join us Sunday 10 March at the South Africa vs Sri Lanka ODI as we raise awareness about mentorship for young men and spread this message.’
Two Dolphins and Proteas stars, David Miller and Andile Phehlukhwayo, have jumped on board in support of Future Kings, and Miller believes it is crucial to have someone that can help to regain perspective in tough times.
‘I was incredibly lucky that my father has supported me throughout,’ he said. ‘Throughout my career there have been times when the heat of the moment and the pressure of a situation has made me lose sight of what is important. It is crucial that we have a support structure that gets us through those tough times.’
Phehlukwayo echoed what Miller said, but added that when tough times arise it will be important to use that support base to answer all the questions that you might have.
‘To have family, friends, coaches around you that know you well, and understand what you are going through helps so much in bringing you back to why you started and why you should carry on.
‘Those tough times are just phases and in the good times you need to remain disciplined and humble,’ he said.
Photo: Travis Hardnick/Gameplan Media
