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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The Gary Kirsten 275 Supporters Tour gives you the opportunity to spend New Year’s Eve in Cape Town, one of the world’s tourism hotspots, and then watch the second test (2-6 January 2016) of the 2015-16 England/South Africa series at Newlands cricket ground, the most picturesque sporting arena in the world.

This special tour is hosted by legendary cricket player and coach Gary Kirsten, and runs from 30 December 2015 to 8 January 2016. There are four booking options to suit the needs (and budgets) of different English cricket supporters.

All packages include 9 nights bed and breakfast accommodation at a premium three or four star hotel in Cape Town, seating in the Member’s Pavilion at Newlands cricket ground, Airport transfers, transport to and from Newlands on all test days, and access to a representative of Gary Kirsten Travel and Tours at all times.

Tour participants will also receive a special Gary Kirsten 275 golf shirt and tour bag, as well as a print of a painting of Newlands by Richie Ryall, South African painter and former professional cricketer, signed by the artist and Gary Kirsten. These items add to the fun of the tour and will take you back to this once in a lifetime opportunity every time you see the painting, use the bag or wear the shirt.

Click Here for more package details.

The “275” in the tour name refers to Gary Kirsten’s best ever test batting result, scored while playing against England in December 1999.

Playing against highly-competitive rival teams helps to shape a cricket player’s style and motivates him to dramatically improve his skills and standard of play.

His fond memories of playing many tough games against England, coupled with the fact that Newlands is his home ground (and Cape Town his home town), make this an extra-special test for Gary.

Join in the magic of this special occasion and have the opportunity to see some of the sights in and around spectacular Cape Town during your stay.

England has not toured South Africa since 2010 so there will be high demand for test match tickets, as well as a possible shortage of suitable accommodation. Make your booking ASAP to avoid disappointment and the risk of losing this opportunity.

To Book Your Place Now or request more information: email travel@garykirsten.com

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Although the Daredevils haven’t had the greatest of tournaments, its been a huge improvement on their performances of last year. Young players have stepped up and made a name for themselves and the likes of Duminy and Tahir have showed why they are so highly rated in world cricket.

The GKCA team will now have the opportunity to get an in depth look at the intense environment that is the IPL as well as the many amazing sights of India. To experience 90 000 people screaming at every ball and to feel the pressures of tight games going down to the last over will be an invaluable learning experience and one that our team has been looking forward to for a while.

We will be documenting our trip all the way and you can follow us on twitter @GK_CA or go on to facebook to see regular updates of where we are and what is going on.

Please send us any questions you may have as well and we will get some answers from Gary and the Delhi team as we go along.

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The clinic was attended by 45 young aspiring cricketers from the GForce Academy in Dubai. 2 days of cricket was filled with lectures, skill-work and questions, as everyone made sure they took full advantage of having Gary Kirsten helping them. Once the lectures were over, it was down to the hard work and all the boys got an opportunity to show off their skills in the bowling, batting and fielding departments. All the players in the end walked away with new found confidence and a game plan to match. It was a pleasure to work with such talented, enthusiastic young individuals and we hope that the knowledge which we shared, can be put into use going forward.

Dubai is an experience not to be missed and the GKCA team looks forward to another trip abroad in the near future.

Follow us on Facebook: Gary Kirsten Cricket Academy

Twitter: @GK_CA

or www.garykirsten.com for all the updates on programs, galleries and news from the master himself, Gary Kirsten.

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The Gary Kirsten Cricket Academy (GKCA) and Cape Africa Tours (CAT) have announced a new business venture – Gary Kirsten Travel & Tours.

The new venture is the brainchild of Gary Kirsten and Andrew Russell, owner of Cape Africa Tours. Following demand for coaching at GKCA, both domestic and overseas players and teams, a decision was taken to start a travel and tours division and offer individuals and teams a complete travel package, organising travel arrangements in addition to coaching requirements.

“Teams want to know they are travelling with a reputable, experienced tour operator – and with 14 years of experience in the industry, and having handled countless inbound tours catering for all ages and abilities, Cape Africa Tours was the natural choice for us to partner with,” says Kirsten.

“Gary is heavily involved on a daily basis with his Academy – and loves nothing more than being in the nets with aspiring young cricketers,” said Russell. “My experience dealing with touring teams offers Gary the opportunity to focus on the coaching aspects and for us to handle all the travel and tour details. It is the perfect fit for both of us and I look forward to working with Gary and his GKCA coaches in the years ahead.”

Russell has been organising inbound sports tours to South Africa since January 2000 and is a registered member of SATSA. Gary Kirsten Travel &Tours will operate as a division of Cape Africa Tours.

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