In this powerful episode, we shine a spotlight on the heart of South African cricket — the grassroots heroes who are changing lives with nothing more than passion, persistence, and a love for the game. On the podcast I am joined by KFC mini – cricket coach Rozanne Steenkamp, a dedicated educator from Vredenburg and this year’s Cricket South Africa Pathway Awards finalist. As a Grade 6 and 7 maths and life orientation teacher at Graafwater Primary, Rozanne has become a driving force behind the KFC Mini-Cricket programme, bringing the joy of cricket to children who had never even seen the game before.
With no equipment and little exposure to the game in Graafwater, Rozanne refused to let that stop her. Armed with cellotape, scraps of wood, and unstoppable determination, she taught her students to play — proving that the spirit of cricket doesn’t begin with fancy gear, but with heart. From local dusty fields to watching cricket live at Boland stadium, her learners’ journey has been nothing short of transformative.
Rozanne opens up about her motivation, the challenges of introducing cricket in under-resourced communities, and her dream of empowering young girls to find their place in the sport. Once called a “tomboy” for loving cricket, she now stands as a proud ambassador for girls in sport, watching the tides turn for women’s cricket both in South Africa and across the world. Rozanne believes that through the KFC mini-cricket program, players are not just being developed, but futures are being formed as well.
Join us as we explore how one teacher’s unwavering belief in her community is shaping the next generation — not just of cricketers, but of confident, capable young people.
This is more than cricket. This is hope, purpose, and the power of a game to change lives