The 2017/2018 Gary Kirsten Cricket High Performance Academy has got underway after a well deserved break over the festive season.
Cricketers from around the world have descended on Cape Town for the programme which is designed to prepare athletes for the first-class game.
The four-month long programme is run by Gary Kirsten as well as Ryan Van Niekerk and Ryan Cook.
In addition to the top GKC coaches the HPA regularly invites guest coaches from various industries to add to the dynamism of the programme.
This is what they had to say…
Stephen Cook – bizhub Highveld Lions Captain
I had the great privilege of spending a few days training and coaching with GKC. The entire setup from the coaches, the facilities and attention to detail was most professional. The training that is happening at the GKC HPA is at the cutting edge of best practice in the cricket world. Thank you to all concerned for having me and I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
Andrew Wylie – South Africa Universities Head Coach
It has been a very enjoyable six weeks working with the GKC HPA players. It was great to see the progress they have made individually in a short space of time. The programme really enables them to be pushed out of their comfort zones with the intensity they are working at. I have enjoyed the player’s enthusiasm and willingness to learn. It was also good to learn and share amongst the quality coaching staff involved.
Chad Gravenhorst – Baseball Specialist
As with anything people are cagey in the beginning because they think someone is coming in with a different idea – as I come from a baseball background. All I was asking is that they have an open mind. We looked at how important it is to look after your body in preparation to execute skills consistently. It was a short period of time but it was an absolute pleasure working with GKC. Great group of kids, I think they have a big future. Down the line I am confident that the two sports can continue to get the best out of each other.
Shukri Conrad – South Africa ‘A’ coach
The sessions just got more and more enjoyable. The environment and culture created by Gary and the coaching team really bodes well for this programme. It is one of learning. We dealt with playing spin in both the test and one day format both defensively and on attack. The players’ growth has been phenomenal. The work they had put in prior to me arriving was excellent. I look forward to my next session there.
