Large turnout expected at mini cricket festival

BUFFALO Park will be a hive of activity tomorrow as the annual Border KFC Mini Cricket Festival takes place.

The extremely popular event brings children from schools across the Border region together to take part in the fun day of cricket action.

“We are excited for the festival,” said Provincial Mini Cricket coordinator Mnonopeli Mfenqe.

“So many people are looking forward to it.

“When the teachers came in to pick up the kids’ clothes this week they [seemed] so excited and just wanted the kids to have lots of fun.”

This year, over 800 pupils from various schools will participate and they will surely be looking to impress the mini cricket talent scouts.

Some schools will be sending two or three teams, with 108 teams confirmed to take part so far.

“We will have 864 kids this year which is more than last year,” said Mfenqe.

“I am very happy that we have more kids because it shows that mini cricket is constantly growing.”

On the day kids will play a double round of games in the morning with a drinks break in between and then they will have lunch before leaving.

Adding to the excitement for the kids will be a couple of former South African cricketers who will also be around lending their experience and giving tips to the players.

“We will have former Proteas fast bowler and mini cricket ambassador Mfuneko Ngam who will be attending the day and lending his expertise to the kids, while Angelique Taai, a former South African women’s player will also be taking part,” said Mfenqe.

Mfenqe also expects a few Border players to come and get involved with the children after their practice session in the morning.

The day starts with teams and players arriving at the ground from 8:30am.

A number of speeches, including a welcome from Border cricket president Thando Ganda, and an address from Ngam will then take place before the action begins from 11am, with play expected to be concluded by 2pm.