UNSUNG HEROES: GEES LIKE RICARDO KERMIS

In the bustling atmosphere of Paarl Royals' Boland Park, amid the cheers and excitement of Betway SA20, a dedicated figure stands at the forefront of empowering youth. 

Ricardo Kermis, a cricket coach and the coordinator for ball boys and ball girls, has made it his mission to transform the lives of children from challenging backgrounds in Paarl through the sport he loves.

“All I need of you today is to be very vigilant,” Kermis addresses the eager young volunteers.

His words carry weight, as they resonate not just with the responsibilities of collecting stray cricket balls, but with the greater lessons of life.

The ball boys and ball girls are not just there to fetch balls; they are part of a transformative programme designed to offer them something meaningful.

“The children come from vast circumstances where they see drugs, where they see gangsterism,” Kermis explains. 

“So, we can't make sport part of it where they already come from. We must relieve them with sports and show them that there is a better option.”

This all forms part SA20’s commitment to creating opportunities for children who may never have imagined being part of such a prestigious event.

“SA20 has provided this platform opportunity for the children,” said Kermis. “It’s something they can cherish for the rest of their lives.”

As part of their experience, the young participants receive more than just thrills on the pitch; they are gifted official Paarl Royals team caps and T-shirts, tokens of a unique moment in their lives. 

They also have the chance to meet their heroes and collect signatures, which Kermis believes will serve as cherished memories as they grow older.

“One day they can show it to their children, take it from there,” he says, highlighting the significance of these experiences beyond the present.

Through this programme, Kermis and SA20 aim to instil values of respect and care in the children. 

“When you go back from this opportunity of being a ball boy or girl, dream further,” he said.

His aspiration is that they understand that this is merely a stepping stone to greater things. 

“Don’t stop there,” he implores. “Use this opportunity to say, 'from here, my life is not looking back anymore', and look forward for the better things of life.”

The enthusiasm in the crowd echoes the sentiments of Kermis, who passionately rallies the young participants: “Gees like Royals! Gees like Royals!”

His fervour encapsulates the essence of what South Africa’s premier T20 competition is doing - not just for cricket, but for the community and the youth within it.