Six more players have joined the Ryan Cook led programme which offers exclusive interactions with Kirsten and other top coaches as well as one-on-ones with world renowned professionals from a variety of different backgrounds.

“The players come from around the world so some opted to go home for the festive season while others decided to stay and enjoy the fruits of Cape Town,” Cook said.

The new boys in the camp have hit the ground running and will join the rest of the group as the programme now shifts towards a focus on the shorter formats of the game.

Limited Overs Focus

“This cycle is predominantly aimed at the limited overs formats of the game in which the ability to upskill to the modern game’s pace and expertise is of paramount importance,” Cook explained.

The team have already played their first competitive match against Stellenbosch University at Coetzenburg.

The programme also focuses on life-skills. Cook says the aim is not to just have these players leave as better cricketers but also better people.

“The players have been treated to the sights and sounds of the world class city of Cape Town and have already been up Lions Head and De Villiers Dam as part of their ‘Mountain Madness’ physical training and life experience,” Cook explained.

They have also contributed to the Gary Kirsten Foundation by coaching in Khayalitsha during the High Performance sessions on a Friday.

“It is always an enriching experience to see how willing these young players are to give their time and expertise to those less fortunate than themselves, Cook said.

The programme draws to an ends on the 28 February.

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The duo conducted a five-day High Performance Camp with 40 players between the ages of 13-21.

“Through the duration of the camp held at the Police Gymkhana ground on the famous Marine Drive the players were provided with interventions to help their individual games as well as how to interact as a team,” Cook explained.

Using video analysis, each player was given a detailed run down of their strengths and which areas to improve on.

After spending many hours toiling in the nets, players took to the field on the last day to showcase their skills.

“There is no shortage of talent with these young players as both batters and bowlers impressed with their variety of skills and tactical awareness,” Cook concluded.

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The four-month-long programme has attracted eight players from around the world between the ages of 18-21.

These players stand on the cusp of first-class cricket and the programme which is being held at the home of GKC in Constantia will give them an excellent platform to take their game to the next level.

It offers exclusive interactions with Gary Kirsten and other top coaches as well as one-on-ones with world renowned professionals from a variety of different backgrounds. 

Week One

‘Know yourself to grow yourself’

Upon their arrival in the picturesque, Cape Town, players had to undergo various technical, mental and physical assessments.

“Tom Dawson Squibb, GKC’s Performance Psychologist was on hand to provide a framework to guide the players to understanding their goals as the coaches put the players through a battery of tests in their primary and secondary skills,” Ryan Cook, Director of the High Performance explained.

Each player was also introduced to The Sports Science Institute at their High Performance Centre in Newlands and put through physical screenings.

There was also plenty of work taking place in the nets with two sessions per day at the Claremont Cricket Club.

Players enjoyed a far more relaxed end to the week with a calming Yoga experience in Khayelitsha with the Gary Kirsten Foundation players at the Impendulo School.  

Week Two:

“Invest in the root – bear the fruit”

Players were met with a mountainous task at the start of the second week.

An early morning awakening saw them ascend the iconic, Lions Head for a bit of team building.

“There is no better way to explore the surrounds of beautiful Cape Town by acclimatizing up the mountainous peaks. It was terrific to see all the players enjoying the challenges on the way up and the panoramic views upon arrival,” Cook enthused.

In the nets, players were put through their paces with coaches emphasizing on the fundamentals of the game.

“Players did drill work on all facets both in the nets and the middle. Access to specialists is second to none at the GKC High Performance Academy. Visual and Fielding Specialist Jolene Dippenaar came down from Pretoria to help the players with visual tips as well as pressure sessions to enhance their fielding technique which was much enjoyed by all the players,” Cook explained.

Coaches have already seen exponential growth in the players. There has also been some very encouraging contributions from these players at their Premier League clubs in Cape Town.

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Gary Kirsten Cricket Academy, in partnership with Pro Coach Middle East, will be running “the first of its kind” High Performance Cricket Clinic in Dubai, UAE from the 28-29 November 2014 . Places are limited to 40 players on a first come first served basis, so book now to now to avoid disappointment having coaching with the best cricket coach in the world. This opportunity is open to all players from 10-19 yrs . We would also like to extend this invitation to all parents and coaches to join the sessions.

For more information click here

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