A highlight for us & the Kearsney 1stXI was a live session with Gary Kirsten, where players discussed the mental aspects of the game and gained strategic insights into T20 cricket, focusing on risk management and performance under challenging conditions. Alongside player sessions, the Mini Camps supported coach development through practical and theoretical frameworks covering leadership, player management, and season planning. At Union High, a Parents in Sport talk emphasized the importance of positive parent involvement in youth sports.

At Union High, Gary’s parenting in sport talk was well received. Gary and Jordan facilitated a coach development workshop covering:

Effective team meetings
Player management and leadership by example
Performance debriefs
Supporting players’ mental development
Designing quality training sessions
Season planning and management
The goal is to give coaches practical frameworks and confidence to enhance their environments.

At Kearsney and Highbury, players embraced the opportunity to learn and grow in a “High-Performance” environment.

Looking ahead to 2026, Mini Camps will continue to connect with schools across South Africa, fostering a culture of performance and learning. The GKC team remains dedicated to facilitating the growth of coaches and players nationwide, collaborating with schools in tailored programs to strengthen cricketing cultures and equip the next generation with the tools to thrive.

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Over recent months, these dedicated coaches completed a series of workshops covering the fundamentals of cricket coaching, leadership and the mental aspects of working with young players. Those who earned their CoachED Level 1 Coaching Certificate were among men & women, emphasizing our commitment to gender inclusivity & equal opportunity in sport.

Alongside this journey included the Gary Kirsten CATCH Trust High Performance Program; an eight-week experience focused on developing boys and girls who are working to break into professional cricket structures. During this time, the senior coaches from the Catch Trust Academy spent valuable hands – on time alongside our GKC team, within a high-performance environment. “An incredibly rewarding experience” – added Gary.

Gary Kirsten, in his role as CATCH Trust Board Member and Co-founder of CoachED Cricket, shared a few words of encouragement.

“Congratulations on completing the course. It is a detailed program, so well done. I am really impressed with the commitment shown, and I hope the skills you have gained will make a meaningful impact as you mentor the next generation of cricketers.”

Looking ahead, we feel grateful to be part of this ongoing journey. We remain committed to helping create environments where coaches and players can learn, grow and belong.

We look forward to welcoming the next group of aspiring coaches and sharing more stories from the field as this important work continues.

Often, we have players come and train with us before they head off to their various tournaments. This week was no different, with Dave Miller training alongside our Catch Trust High Performance players.

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His leadership created an environment where both players and coaches could thrive. Together, we collaborated on four pillars of professionalism that shaped the programme and held us accountable throughout: Technique, Mind, Discipline, and Intelligence.

As a coaching group, we reflect on this programme as an exceptionally rewarding one. The general vibe of the unit was warmly positive. Players brought these four pillars of professionalism and intention to every session, while supporting one another throughout the three-month journey. The coaches thoroughly enjoyed being part of this group and left feeling energised by the relationships formed and progress made.

Off the field, we made sure to prioritize experiences that brought the group together and gave players space to reset. Our Muizenberg beach days, padel tournament, and a morning walk through Newlands Forest are activities we all look forward to amidst the hard work. This time is important for players. Feeling supported, connected and challenged in the right ways, often exceeds our expectations of growth.

The program included over 14 competitive games, featuring fixtures against Durham University, Western Province Colts, and touring teams from the UK. A highlight was our annual Fairtree Cup, a week of competitive cricket where two GKC teams participate. It continues to be a standout feature of the programme and a fantastic opportunity for players to build camaraderie through competition.

A number of players secured opportunities for their UK and Ireland seasons, and while this is not the primary aim of the program, we are always willing to assist players on their journey in any way we can.

We would also like to acknowledge the effort and maturity shown by each player throughout. Their openness to coaching, commitment to growth, and care for the group created an environment we were proud to be part of.

The 2025 program reaffirmed what we believe to be true: when high performance is approached with purpose, clarity and enjoyment, the results take care of themselves.

We look forward to welcoming the next cohort in 2026.

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Throughout the program, we grappled with the evolving concept of “High Performance.” Through many thoughtful conversations—often over morning coffee—Gary helped distill the Academy’s approach into three core principles:

• Creating a psychologically safe environment

• Training with clear and intentional purpose

• Prioritizing enjoyment throughout the process

These themes formed the heartbeat of the 2024 program and continue to guide everything we do today.

A highlight of the year was the generous involvement of cricketing greats Faf du Plessis, Dale Steyn, and Neil McKenzie, who spent time with our players, sharing wisdom and enriching the learning environment. Their presence served as a powerful reminder of the strong community that surrounds and supports our HPA players.

With over 12 games played across the program, players had ample opportunity to test their skills and complete the learning cycle through playing, reflecting, practising, and planning for performance. Off the field, experiences like our Muizenberg beach day and padel tournament were among the many activities that brought joy to the group, allowing players to switch off from the game and connect.

We’re proud to acknowledge the achievements of several standout players in 2024:

• Kai Smith – Warwickshire

• Clayton Floyd – Netherlands (KNCB)

Their selections are a testament to the quality of their work ethic and dedication throughout the program.

As we close the chapter on 2024, we do so with immense gratitude—for the continued growth of the program, the warmth and energy of our players, and the shared belief that high performance is built slowly, purposefully, and together.

We look forward to what 2025 will bring.

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To the players, the parents, the local cricket community — your energy, openness, and support were the heartbeat of this camp. From coaching U10s, to working with national U19 and senior players preparing for the next stage in their journey, the week was filled with games, spirited play, and connection around the game.

A meaningful event of the camp was our Parent in Sport evening. It was a conversation that reinforced just how important the parenting is in the development of any young athlete. It gave us a chance to listen, reflect, and grow alongside the very people shaping the next generation of players.

Our coaching team — Derek, Gary & Jordan — brought their expertise and passion to every session, and it was a privilege to work across such a wide and enthusiastic group of athletes. From game days to training blocks, the atmosphere remained grounded in the spirit of the game — competitive, respectful, and full of joy.

We were also proud to run a coach education segment, which was very well received. For us, these moments of knowledge exchange are central to the wider goal of strengthening the global cricketing community. We’re always open to genuine partnerships and future camps, where both players and coaches can benefit and grow together — in the right spirit, and with mutual respect.

This camp reminded us that high performance isn’t about results — it’s about relationships, perspective, and purpose. We’re grateful to Anchor Sports, and to every parent, player, and coach who contributed to this experience.

Here’s to more opportunities to connect, coach, and grow together — wherever the game may take us next.

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As a 19 year old, Jamie is a probationary member of the MCC and has spent the summer playing games for the prestigious club to become a playing member. He has also been opening the batting for his team, Exeter Cricket Club in the Devon Premier League, gaining some great experience up the order. So far he has contributed with a few good performances including a 93 and 4 for 16 with his leg breaks.

“The HPA was unforgettable! There was such a fantastic group of boys and we shared some amazing experiences together on and off the pitch”, he says in reflection of his time in South Africa. “It was invaluable for my development and understanding of cricket”, as he beams and recalls stories of the comradery and challenges which was a hallmark of the program.

Coaching Director of Gary Kirsten Cricket, Garreth Von Hoesslin worked closely with Jamie throughout his one on one sessions and speaks highly of the young mans’ skill and tenacity. “His ability to present a full face on the ball and hit the ball down the ground was incredible to watch. To be fair, Jamie put in a lot of extra yards on his weaker areas as well, he went from a player who was a very inconsistent sweeper of the ball to being able to produce the shot under pressure in games. This is the kind of development you want to see as a coach.”

Jamie now moves into the much debated University Cricket system in the United Kingdom for Durham University in September which has traditionally produced players for the major county 1^st XI. Jamie has high hopes that he may follow in these footsteps and knows the work that needs to be put in to achieve this. Gary Kirsten Cricket wishes him all the best in his pursuit of his best and will be following his progress with an eager eye.

Applications for the Gary Kirsten Cricket High Performance Academy 2020 are open. For more information visit www.garykirsten.com/high-performance-academy/

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Q: What was your original motivation to join HPA 2019 and your expectations of the program leading into the start of it?

A: I applied for the HPA to see if I could play at a higher level as I wanted to pursue a future at the professional level, having not been involved in a county system for almost 6 years I had to rely on club nets. I was lucky enough to be playing with Aneesh Kapil who was hungry and knew what it took to get to the next level and he recommended me to apply.

I also saw it as a sink or swim kind of experience where I will learn whether I have a future in the game as I had a bit of self-doubt of not being good enough after not being in a professional set up for so long and having not been signed at 17 or 18 years old.

I had the hunger and was ready to soak up all the coach’s information in order to know what I have to work on and with my performances towards the end of the academy, I feel more confident to prove these doubts wrong.

The academy was what I expected and more, I had a pretty good idea as I had watched pretty much all the YouTube and Facebook videos on the high performance academy and had Aneesh telling me what it would be like. The attention to detail, basics and the standards expected from yourself is what really stood out.

Q: Tell me about your experience at HPA?

My experience at the HPA was amazing and better than I ever thought it could be, mainly due to the progression I felt I had made during my time there working with amazing coaches such as Adrian Birrell, Ryan Cook, Gary Kirsten, Darren Stevens, Chris Nash, Garreth Von Hoesslin and Andrew Wylie.

I felt like every session was a meaningful session and I always learned a lot and took a lot out of each session with everyone. I have a notebook full of key learnings, in there is a lot of technical and tactical things such as getting my head into the balls and not being upright and a change to my trigger which all seemed to click about 3 weeks in.

It was great to experience cricket in another country with coaches who had a unique way of coaching, not the typical English way, and seeing how different the approaches can be. My only regret was not having longer on the academy than the 8 weeks. I felt very privileged to have been there and been able to have the opportunity to learn from such great coaches.

I went through some ups and downs as well, I felt I did struggle the first week and it did get me a bit down in frustration. I remember Adi saying to me,“sometimes you have to get worse before you get better”. I felt that was the case for me as I got my head down and took everything on board from all the coaches and I really began to find my feet 3 weeks in. I feel like my bowling and fielding has improved drastically too since my time at the academy and since being back.

Q: Were there any highlights that stood out for you during your time at the HPA?

Meeting Gary Kirsten and having 1 on 1’s with him was amazing! I learnt so much from him every time. In fact, all the coaches in my 1 on 1’s were great. I remember one session I had with Darren Stevens, he said some very encouraging things, and asked what made me the player I was that day 6 weeks in from the one he saw at the start. It was nice for him to notice the improvements in my game.

From a playing point of view, scoring 70 not out in the Kent Inter squad match as well as scoring a hundred for Claremont CC was very satisfying.

Coaching the kids at the Gary Kirsten Foundation in Khayelitsha was very humbling and eye opening and to be honest just being able to play cricket and work at your game every day, Monday to Friday, was an amazing experience, I love the game and being around it so much, talking and taking part in it so intensely was a highlight on its own.

Q: Since leaving in March – what did you do in the lead up to the season?

A: In the lead up the season, I attended preseason nets with my club side Wolverhampton. The weather from arriving back in England meant it was mostly restricted to indoor training. I took the intensity and work ethic from the HPA into my sessions. A big thing for me was caring about each and every ball in the nets and making sure every session was meaningful. I worked at the areas I had to started to work on in Cape Town such as developing my sweep shot and pull shot.

Q: How has the season gone so far?

A: Playing for Wolverhampton in the Birmingham league, it started off very promising with a couple of 40’s but poor execution and shot selection got me out. I need to be greedier and ruthless and make starts into big scores, this was frustrating but also promising as my team mates and even spectators had noticed big improvements in my game.

So far I have scored 316 runs at an average of 31.6 with 3 fifties and highest score of 99 (where I got run out). I have only had 10 innings because a month into the season I suffered from a liver virus causing jaundice, so I was in and out of the hospital for 7 to 8 weeks with multiple blood tests weekly and told not to play. This was difficult, because I hadn’t been training or at work in the week but giving it all on a Saturday and Sunday for the club. It was a very mentally challenging period in my career in cricket as I had been very high off the improvements made on my time at the HPA, which gave me a lot of confidence to go out there keep working hard and score big runs, I felt like the illness came at the worst time!

However, cricket is a sport you fail more times than you ever succeed and you learn to pick yourself up and keep going and remembering the hard work put in will come good and to have the attitude of “never going away”. Only a few weeks ago my blood tests returned to normal and as a precaution they will be checking my blood again in a couple of months before finally discharging me.

The overall experience has made me more hungry and just to use this set back to come back stronger as there will always be set backs along the way to chasing your dreams.

Q: What are your aspirations for the rest of the season?

A: After the illness, it feels like the season is only just beginning for me now. I’m finally feel healthier and able to train how I was before and coming off the back of a 55 and 99 this Saturday, I feel confident about working hard and finishing very strong and hopefully scoring a few hundreds in the last half of the season and make match winning performances.

Q: Do you have any future plans coming up for the off season?

A: My future plans are to attend the HPA again in 2020 and continue where I left off making positive strides to improving and continue the great relationship with the coaches there who I feel like have got to know me and my game very well. Having learned more about my game and what it takes to take it the next level to keep improving and push for a place in a county 2nd team and impress with performances and work ethic.

For more information on the HPA 2020 and to apply, click here.

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Looking to continue work on his leg spin as well as develop his batting was his goal when reaching South Africa and the work that he put in over the 8 week program was often beyond the call of duty. Philippe was often seen running additional laps in the heat and target bowling long into the afternoons with fellow Dutch “A” player Julian De Mey. This determination was well rewarded when producing match winning figures for the GKC in their match against UCT taking 6 for 27 in 8.5 overs in February and he continued to find improvements with the ball with strong mentorship from Adi Birrell, current Hampshire CCC Head Coach.

Philippe focused on his playing of the short ball as well as construction of innings in white ball cricket. “I have been trying to keep up the skills I learnt and the exercises we have been given, I have not only been doing this, but also trying to implant it into our club trainings which we have all benefited from”, reflected Philippe, who has been playing for the Netherlands U19s and Dutch “A” team since his return.

He took a 4 wicket haul against Guernsey for the A side but as always is trying to improve himself saying, “I am starting to feel a little bit more confident and my batting is going better, I want to bowl with lots of confidence”. His future plans are to go overseas again this year to play cricket combined with studies.

The GKC coaches are looking forward to meeting up again with Philippe in Holland this coming week as part of the annual High Performance Camp at the VRA ground in Amsterdam. He heaped praises for these coaches saying, “It was an absolute pleasure to work with the best coaches in the world and the professional way they go about the game. The time the coaches spend with you and the way they listen gives you a feeling of being understood. They work hard and are always ready.”

Applications for the GKC High Performance Academy 2020 are open, click here to enroll!

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Since leaving the HPA in March, Callum has been training with Worcester and minor county team Herefordshire. Playing for the Worcestershire 2nd XI, he has already notched up a two fifties and was involved in a hundred run partnership scoring 78 with fellow HPA player Josh Breed against Warwickshire 2nd XI last week which consisted of a strong bowling line up.

Callum reflects on these early successes in the season, “I have noticed improvements in my game from my time in Cape Town and think my game is in a good place.”

He goes onto add that the HPA provided a well organised and professional setup that stimulated training from both players and coaches which was of a high standard and quality. “I felt like all the coaches were solely focused on my development as a cricketer and the environment they created was exceptional.”

Making runs is not all that Callum is currently busy with, he has also founded a charity to raise awareness and provide for mental health in young sports people which is a hot topic at the moment in the UK and around the world. “The charity will aim to educate coaches, players and staff in mental health related to sport, this includes dealing with the pressures of a career in sport and funding individuals who need professional help”.

His aspirations for the season are to continue to make match winning performances for Worcestershire 2nd XI and Herefordshire with a view to play for Oxford MCCU next year as he furthers his studies. With a good head on his shoulders and a strong drive to succeed, this is a goal which he is capable of achieving.

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Following a successful Khaya Majola Coca Cola Week and CSA Cubs Week, Justin attended the Gary Kirsten Cricket High Performance Academy 2019 under the guidance of Gary Kirsten and Adi Birrell. Having been involved in the High performance pipeline of Gary Kirsten Cricket for the past 4 years, Justin’s primary motivation for attending the program was to prepare for the English summer in an intense and professional environment. With a keen eye on playing first class cricket, Justin’s goal for this season is to score as many runs as he can for his club and hopefully attract some opportunities to play in the county setup to showcase his abilities.

He has successfully started in the quest of achieving match winning performances at club level scoring a hundred and contributing with the ball with 2 for 28. He plays alongside fellow GKC and Rondebosch Boys High alumni Daniel Moriarty who is progressing along a similar path and the two have been training hard and have had a strong hand in the clubs first two victories of the season.

When asked what the highlight of his 8 weeks at the HPA was, he sites confidently, “Spending quality time with some of the best coaches who have coached all around the world. The one on one coaching was the stand out for me and I learnt a lot about my game in the white ball format.” Justin alongside the others at the HPA took away learnings of game plans across the formats as well as working tirelessly on the specific drills alongside top class international and county players during their time on the program. Adrian Birrell, current Hampshire Head Coach, was not only impressed with his all round technical ability but also on Justin’s attitude for the game saying, “Justin has high potential and a high ceiling”.

There is no doubt that this humble young man has a bright future ahead and with a steely determination and a solid foundation there is no doubt that we will be hearing more of this exciting player in seasons to come.

Image source www.buryfreepress.co.uk

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