Bakers boost mini cricket programme

South African grass groots cricket Sunday received a major sponsorship boost when Bakers doubled their sponsorship committment for R5-millione to R10-miilion over the next three years.

The sponsorship, which began in 1982 with a R50 000 commitment, is the oldest in South African development sport and applauded by members of the South African tea, lead by Hansie Cronje, hours before the side flew out to England for their second tour.

Also praising the sponsorshp was Ray Whire, president of the United Cricket Board who said the funds would go toward the continued growth of the game through Bakers mini-cricket and the coaches academy.

He said it was the biggest sponsorship of its kind in SA sports history. ``This sponsorship lies at the heart of our extensive youth development programme,'' he said. ``It is this programme which has become a major factor in the transformation of South African cricket.''

Dr Ali Bacher, managing director of the UCB, said the sponsorship had the biggest impact among the disadvantaged communities,

``Many young players from the programme are now emerging with Makhay Ntini as a shining exmple,'' Dr Bacher said.

``It is this progress which shows that cricket is firmly on the road to becoming the national sport, supported by all, and with a national team selected on merit representing the demographics of our country.''

The announcemnt was made by Cliff Sampson, marketing director of national brands of the sponsoring company.

Trevor Chesterfield Cricket writer Pretoria News

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