Kirsten Foundation making inroads in Khayelitsha

Khayelitsha schoolchildren were introduced to the life-changing world of cricket recently after the official unveiling of the fourth Gary Kirsten Foundation net installation.

Cape Town - Khayelitsha schoolchildren were introduced to the life-changing world of cricket recently after the official unveiling of the fourth Gary Kirsten Foundation net installation on Friday, September 2.

Sivile Primary School pupils from Grades R to 7 now have access to newly constructed net facilities, a full complement of cricket equipment as well as a fully trained, locally sourced cricket coach thanks to the generous donation from a number of benefactors. The celebratory handover event - powered by Peninsula Beverages - was attended by representatives from the Gary Kirsten Foundation's sponsors as well as Kirsten and the foundation's coaches.

Coca-Cola Peninsula Beverages (CCPB) has been a long-standing supporter of community and sports development especially in the rugby and cricket arenas. “When we were presented with an opportunity to partner with Gary Kirsten and his foundation, it fitted in very much with one of our business purposes of 'Making a Difference',” said Priscilla Urquhart, Public Affairs and Communications Manager for CCPB.

“We believe that the Gary Kirsten Foundation is doing that, and much more, to unearth the incredible talent that is the future of South African cricket and we look forward to a fulfilling partnership with Gary and his team.”

Kirsten's passion for the development of sporting talent in South Africa led to the establishment of this township cricket development initiative. This has provided the foundation with a talent scouting platform whereby talented players are identified and their skills harnessed through further cricket coaching opportunities.

Sivile Primary School principal, Zukisa Cwayi, said that, although there was a great interest in cricket at the school, it was not particularly evident in that part of Khayelitsha because of a lack of facilities.

“Now that we have the facilities on this side, we can encourage participation with the surrounding schools and start getting competitions going,” he explained.

It was through Cwayi's connections to other recipient schools that he learnt about the net installation programme and made contact with the Gary Kirsten Foundation.

The R100 000 cricket ecosystem forms part of the Gary Kirsten Foundation's ongoing Cricket Development Initiative which has seen three other Khayelitsha schools receiving the much-needed facilities and equipment, thereby developing the sport within schools. For more information or to get involved, visit www.garykirsten.com. - African News Agency (ANA)