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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This is such an exciting opportunity for GKC as well as aspiring and upcoming Indian cricketers.

With Gary winning the 2011 World Cup it was inevitable that India would become a base for GKC said Head coach for GKC India, Ryan van Niekerk

He commented: “GKC is an international brand, and for the last four years we’ve been traveling internationally running high performance camps where we got to know the international space really well, and feel we have significant coaching value to add. We are very excited to start running high performance camps, private coaching, international camps and touring teams.”

The CEO of Gary Kirsten Cricket India, Mr Anand Mittal stated the need to establish the philosophy of Gary Kirsten Cricket in India. “Gary is loved by millions of cricket lovers in India, his contribution to Indian cricket is irreplaceable. To treasure this respect and love for the nation, and post discussion with Gary, we are 100% committed to this venture and in taking his cricket legacy ahead. Our focus will be to develop a team of coaches of the same values and under guidance of Gary.”

Mr Krish Roy, Head of Business and International Relations of GKCI also commented: “Having worked with Gary and his team over the years, I know how much a team matters to him. ‘Nothing revolves around an individual’ is a core value and keeping this in mind, our team will drive this cricket philosophy ahead.”

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“Gary Kirsten Cricket India recently embarked on a number of talent hunt events around India and we are pleased to have found a real interest. We are excited to see the young talent and abilities around these regions. It is a great opportunity for them to join the Gary Kirsten Cricket Academy in Pune for specialised coaching. We hope to add real value to these young kids and help them grow in their cricket.” – Gary Kirsten

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The 49-year-old who signed a two-year contract with the Hobart Hurricanes earlier in the year travelled to Tasmania recently to start work ahead of the 2017/18 tournament which gets underway in December.

The Hurricanes endured a disappointing campaign last season having won just three out of eight games.

“I am really looking forward to getting involved,” Kirsten beamed.

“The visit gave me a chance to familiarize myself with the environment and have a number of conversations to understand where the team was last year,” he explained.

“The sense that I got is that the team is kind of bubbling under. They have shown that they do have something and it is just a few tweaks that can make a big difference,” Kirsten said.

Kirsten admits that he has lofty ambitions for the team despite their recent struggles.

“The goal is to win the BBL,” Kirsten said.

“What is important is that we make sure everything we do in recruiting, exposing the brand, our playing ability and preparation all stack up right. Then we will have a good chance of doing well,” Kirsten revealed.

He will head back to Australia in October to join Tasmania’s Matador Cup squad and work alongside coach, Adam Griffith.

The 39-year-old will be Kirsten’s assistant coach at the tournament.

“I will spend around 10 days with the team and connect with the players. It is also to watch Adam at work so we align ourselves,” he concluded.

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Gary Kirsten Cricket (GKC) is all set for another High Performance roadshow in the Netherlands later this month.

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