As an international opening batter and coach, Gary Kirsten knows better than most that you need more than just quality equipment to be a quality player.

Bat For A Chance have been able to provide Kirsten’s Catch Trust with plenty of kit as part of their work to help disadvantaged people in South Africa to enjoy cricket.

But the UK-based charity have also been helping those who want to help the next generation of South African talent to come through, investing in the Catch Trust’s work training coaches too.

Catch Trust, previously known as the Gary Kirsten Foundation, was launched by Kirsten to examine cricket in some of the poorest sectors of society, including the Khayelitsha township.

They subsequently built facilities there – including two concrete nets in five different schools, as well as a full artificial cricket field and an indoor centre.

Since then, Bat For A Chance have helped the Catch Trust take their work to the next level.

“They heard what we were doing and wanted to get involved, so they decided to give us a heap of cricket equipment which was so necessary and something we desperately needed,” says Kirsten, speaking at dinner in aid of BFAC hosted by JM Finn.

“Bat For A Chance played a massive role in helping us there. They gave us so much kit and we’re still using it.”

BFAC have now helped Catch Trust to work with 40 coaches, with the aim of aiding another 60 during the rest of 2025.

“They want to take it a step further and be involved in more than just supplying cricket equipment,” adds Kirsten.

“They identified coach education was really important component to building the ecosystem in the game in that area, also producing work opportunities for township coaches.

“They’ve invested a fair amount into the development of those coaches.

“We’re really excited by that and we want to get through to 100 coaches by the end of the year.

“It’s thanks to Bat For A Chance, who’ve contributed massively to that becoming a realisation.

“This relationship is vital for us having any success in this project.”

To donate and help BFAC train more coaches, click here: https://www.batforachance.org.uk/support-the-cause/