13/09/2025
PRESS RELEASE
Grassroots Cricket South Africa Launches First Hub in Mfuleni, Cape Town.
6–7 September 2025 | Mfuleni Primary School
Grassroots Cricket South Africa, in proud association with Starting Chance, officially launched its first cricket development hub at Mfuleni Primary School in Cape Town over the weekend of 6–7 September 2025. This milestone event, held in partnership with Rondebosch Cricket Club and Mfuleni Cricket Club, marks a bold step toward reimagining cricket as a vehicle for youth empowerment, life skills development and community upliftment.
Day One: Training, Play, and Legacy Conversations
The weekend began at Rondebosch Cricket Club, where Early Childhood Development (ECD) practitioners from Starting Chance, educators from Mfuleni Primary School and coaches from Mfuleni Cricket Club participated in hands-on training through the Stumps & Steps Pathway Programme. Rooted in Starting Chance’s life skills model and aligned with the KFC Mini-Cricket framework, the programme equips facilitators to nurture both cricketing ability and personal growth in young children.
Patron of Grassroots Cricket South Africa, Greg Hayes, played a central role throughout the weekend—guiding coaches, mentoring facilitators and reinforcing the programme’s deeper purpose: to use cricket as a tool for dignity, recognition and transformation. The weekend was filled with fun and laughter – evidence of the enjoyment had by all concerned.
The newly acquired skills were immediately put into practice with 4–6 year olds from Mfuleni Primary School, while legendary Australian coaches Paul Wilson and Trevor Chappell, alongside Free-State Level 3 coach, Pitso Sefuti from the PNS Cricket Academy, led sessions for the 11–14 age group.
The day concluded with a vibrant Q&A session featuring the Australian coaches and renowned cricket commentator James King.
Day Two: A Hub is Born
On Sunday, the first Grassroots Cricket South Africa hub was officially opened at Mfuleni Primary School—celebrating the school’s 50th anniversary with a vision for the next 50 years. Thanks to Starting Chance, Blue Moon Projects, Quicksilva, and lead sponsor Dormac, the first of three cricket nets was unveiled.
Over 150 pupils participated in cricket activities led by the Australian coaches, transforming the school grounds into a vibrant space of play, mentorship and community pride.
Partnerships That Power Progress:
• Dormac sponsored the building of the cricket net and a team kit bag from D&P Cricket for the school.
• Quiksilva levelled the ground for the net and the future plans.
• Blue Moon Project built the cricket net.
• Grassroots Cricket South Africa donated a full D&P team kit to Mfuleni Cricket Club for their 11–14 year olds.
• Starting Chance sponsored the flights and accommodation for the visiting Australian coaches.
• Easypay ensured hydration and nourishment with a sponsored lunch.
• Malachite and Rondebosch Cricket Club provided branded t-shirts.
• Cadbury’s delighted children with ice creams, while Powerade kept energy levels high.
• Give Unity provided a unique platform for potential sponsors of the programme.
• Howzatt sponsored the Beginner’s Guide to Cricket booklets for all attendees.
• Cricket South Africa contributed KFC Mini-Cricket kits to support ongoing development.
A Platform for Talent and Transformation
The Mfuleni Grassroots Cricket Hub is more than a facility—it’s a foundation. It will serve the school, the club, and the broader community, offering a platform to identify and nurture talent for Western Province and Cricket South Africa. More importantly, the Stumps & Steps programme ensures that every child, regardless of cricketing ability, receives life skills training that fosters resilience, teamwork and personal growth.
Grassroots Cricket South Africa is proud to stand alongside Starting Chance, Mfuleni Primary School, Mfuleni Cricket Club and Rondebosch Cricket Club in building sustainable pathways for young players.
Looking Ahead
With cricket as a catalyst for change, this launch marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for South African cricket. Grassroots Cricket South Africa is committed to expanding its footprint across the country, ensuring that every child—no matter their background—has the chance to step up to the crease.
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About Grassroots Cricket
Grassroots Cricket is an organisation that harnesses the power of cricket to educate, inspire and mobilise disadvantaged communities. Originally established in Zimbabwe, the initiative has expanded its reach, providing life skills coaching, mentorship, and essential support to young cricketers. Grassroots Cricket builds networks with clubs and schools, collects pre-loved gear and promotes healthy lifestyles through active participation in the sport.
For more information about Grassroots Cricket South Africa, please contact:
📞 Xolisa Sokayi – +27 (0) 74 636 2443
📞 Roger Moult – 07076 080 346876 080 3468
About Starting Chance
Starting Chance is a South African non-profit organization dedicated to Early Childhood Development (ECD), ensuring that children from disadvantaged backgrounds receive a strong foundation in education. Based in Mfuleni, Cape Town, Starting Chance focuses on training educators, upgrading learning facilities, and providing mentorship to young learners. Through its Shack to Chic initiative, the organization transforms under-resourced schools into safe and inspiring environments for children to thrive.
For more information about Starting Chance, please contact:
đź“ž Dr Ian Corbett - +27 (0) 83 701 9977
đź“ž Ali Corbett - +27 (0) 82 491 1171
