Hidde’s energy and enthusiasm for the game rubbed off on all the players at the HPA. His consistent positivity was contagious as he rose to every challenge. Hidde reflects on the time in Cape Town saying, “When at the HPA, the opportunity to play cricket every day with a great bunch of guys and willing coaches was an amazing experience, I loved the positive culture that was created over the couple of months and practicing 5 days a week was tough but extremely enjoyable.”Throughout the2017 season, Hidde had some ups and downs, but started 2018 with a bang with a 48 not out and a five-for against Essex development in XI for the KNCB team, this kick started his season and has been finding some consistent performances with both bat and ball in the Eerste-Klas league.

These performances were rewarded when Hidde was selected for the Dutch National side for games against Nepal and the MCC at Lords in July. “I represented the colours of my country in the youth setup but to do it for the National team is a dream come true and to do it at Lords is something extremely special.” He was also selected alongside close friend, Tonny Staal, who attended the HPA in 2018. This follows a relationship between the KNCB, The Flamingos and Gary Kirsten Cricket, which has been moving from strength to strength every year. Gary Kirsten reflects on this relationship, “We have been fortunate over the past few years to have strong ties with the KNCB. We feel it adds value not only to the individuals but to the system as a whole. We are thankful to Wulf Van Alkemede who has been instrumental in driving this relationship and keeping the consistency to improve Dutch Cricket. We are looking forward to welcoming the new attendees of the HPA 2019 as they aim to upskill in preparation for their upcoming season.

Hidde performed admirably in the 3 games in National coloursdespite the games being rain affected and has returned to his club and continued his all round performances with economical figures and middle order contributions to see his team home as the season draws to a close.

Ryan Van Niekerk, The GKCI Head Coach was very proud of Hidde,“This is an incredible achievement and we wish him all the best as he continues to make his mark at the international level, hopefully this experience propels him to new heights”.

For more updates follow on www.garykirsten.com

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The first 2 days saw 30 players attending a High Performance camp in the Hague based at HCC. Players in attendance were from various clubs and were treated to skills and middle based training delivered by Gary Kirsten, Ryan Van Niekerk and Garreth Von Hoesslin. The sessions, which were attended by both boys and girls, involved drills and match scenarios as well as energetic fielding games. “The players were like sponges for information and it was great to connect with those attending”, said Ryan Van Niekerk, Head Coach of GKC India.

A short trip down the highway and the following 3 days were based in Amstelveen at VRA in Amsterdam. The camp started with the Dutch U17 team consisting ofmany players that have worked with the GKC coaches on previous trips. “It was a brilliant opportunity to see how the players and the system have progressed over the years.” Ryan said, he continued, “The continuity of the players’ training programs and habits could be noticed immediately.”

In the afternoon, the Dutch National Team, who are preparing for a T20 International tournament in the UK later this month gained the services of Gary and the team to assist with their training. Thorough conversations were had regarding game strategy, modern trends in the T20 game and ways in which to practice them. Ryan Campbell, the Dutch National Coach and Gary facilitated a squad middle session using live scenarios which added great insight into the teams’ plans moving forward. A remainder of the players also upgraded their skill sets one on one in pressurized net drills which extracted valuable learning for the players.

The following two days were once again spent with the U17 team and their enthusiasm and energy shone through as they spent the days honing their craft in preparation for a white ball tour in the UK. Match strategies were developed with each player and attention was given to each individual through various interventions including skills, drills and match play.

Gary had heaps of praise and well wishes for the team, “Having worked with these players for a few years it is great to see their growth and we look forward to working with them again moving forward and wish them all the best for their upcoming tour”. He continued, “GKC has a strong relationship with the Flamingos and the KNCB, we love coming to Holland and we look forward to welcoming more Dutch players to the shores of Cape Town once again for the start of our High Performance Academy”.

Four of the current Dutch National team selected for the T20 tournament have trained with GKC during the HPA in Cape Town over the past 2 years. Stay posted for updates on www.garykirsten.com

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