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.

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The three month long full-time programme which is headed by Gary Kirsten and his team of leading coaches once again attracted cricketers from around the world.

It is an unparalleled cricketing development experience which seeks to prepare first-class players for life on and off the field.

The final few weeks of the programme saw players work intensely on specific skills with a range of guest coaches.

Shukri Conrad who heads Cricket South Africa’s National Academy led a 50 over batting marathon.

While former Proteas spinner, Robin Peterson gave the guys a masterclass in slower bowling.

“The last couple of weeks have been really good and the intensity of the boys has been outstanding,” GKC Head Coach, Ryan Cook said.

“The guys have worked on refining their skills and we were delighted to see the massive improvements in their game when they took on the Western Province Academy in a few friendlies,” he added.

The group has also made big strides away from the cricket pitch.

There has been marked improvements in their physical tests which were administered by the Sports Science Institute of South Africa.

While GKC’s Performance Psychologist, Tom Dawson Squibb wrapped up his work on a positive mindset and understanding oneself.

“Tom has done a phenomenal job with the guys. He is made them aware of what goes on internally during the game and away from it,” Cook revealed.

“It has been a great programme and I think the guys have grown as cricketers and people tremendously,” he concluded.

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