The Proteas will take on Graeme Smith’s Mini-Cricket Kids in a four-match Tour starting on 8 December. 

Former Proteas captain, Graeme Smith, takes up the role of KFC Mini-Cricket coach for the match and will have the chance to reunite with some of his old teammates. Smith, who conducted a training session with the kids, spoke of his excitement for the game.

‘I cannot wait to lead the KFC Mini-Cricket kids in game one at Newlands. We may be taking on my old team but on the day I will be fully behind the kids. Having had a glimpse at their abilities today I am confident that we will be able to give the Proteas a good run,’ said Smith.

The game between the kids and the Proteas will be the first in a four-match series which will see two Proteas home games taking place at Newlands and Centurion stadiums respectively, followed by two games hosted by the KFC Mini-Cricket kids at their schools.

Kimberly Islamic School will be stepping up to the crease as the Proteas’ first opponents on 8 December at Newlands. Chief Marketing Officer, Mike Middleton, expressed his commitment to the development of young cricketers.

‘At KFC we are fully committed to the development of our country’s young cricketers. KFC Mini-Cricket Kids vs Proteas Tour matches are always special occasions, giving young cricketers the once in a lifetime opportunity to not only meet, but to play against their heroes. I wish the them the best of luck in their first game and I am confident they will do KFC proud.’

Historically, the KFC Mini-Cricket Kids vs Proteas Tour has been a tight affair with both teams having won one tour apiece and the 2015-16 tour ending in a 2-2 draw. As a result, both sides will without a doubt be keen to get one up on their opponents says star Proteas batsman JP Duminy.

‘It’s a definite advantage for us to get the series started with a home fixture,’ said Duminy.

‘The KFC Mini-Cricket kids are always seriously competitive so we will need to be on our game. We are going into this series with form so we are confident we can get off to a positive start,’ he added.