Jacques Kallis Foundation raises funds for cricket scholarship

The organisation aids in financing educational and cricketing opportunities for promising scholars from disadvantaged backgrounds. The criteria for selection of these scholars includes: academic soundness; financial need; and cricketing potential.

Crafting solid, intellectual individuals who have the strategic intelligence to work their way out of a tricky game

The Foundation's goal is to expand its reach by changing the lives of 100 boys. It aims to craft a solid, intellectual individual who has the strategic intelligence to work his way out of a tricky game, and someone who's well-rounded with a balanced approach to life.

Jacques Kallis was the broad-shouldered colossus of the South African cricket team, who has both a rock-solid technique and a mind impervious to distraction. A right-handed batsman and right-arm fast-medium swing bowler, he's known as one of the greatest all-rounders in the history of the game.

"Providing a platform for others to have equal opportunities and education that I had, has always been at the forefront of my mind," shares Jacques Kallis. "I wanted to make a difference by focusing on helping talented young individuals who cannot afford private schooling."

One of the Foundation's beneficiaries, a scholar from Jacques's Alma Mater, Wynberg Boy's High, is Bhoteke Mbombi, who is currently pursuing his BSc Honours degree in Biokinetics, having attained a degree from University of Stellenbosch in 2012.

The scholarship from the foundation covers the complete costs of tuition fees, boarding and cricket for the chosen candidates, amounting to an average of R70,000/year. The funding predominately supports the child playing cricket, but should they spark a fascination for rugby, the Foundation will continue to fund it.

The other schools the Foundation supports are Maritzburg College, Selborne College and Pretoria Boys High School - all of which boast proud cricketing traditions, along with excellent education.

What makes the foundation different is the personal involvement and relationship Jacques has with the children, reviewing their reports four times a year and managing their progress to ensure optimum effort is put in to achieving their level best.