Dubai: Renowned coach Gary Kirsten will conduct a coaching clinic for budding cricketers as well as coaches at the Emirates airlines 7evens cricket ground later this month. This clinic, to be held on November 28-29, is aimed at transforming the participants into not only skilful players but also transforming them into sportsmen with a strong personality.
The sessions are being organised by ProCoach Middle East, an organisation which plans to fly down top coaches from around the world to impart their knowledge. Speaking to Gulf News, Kobus Olivier, who has launched ProCoach said: “We are not a cricket academy but a company that will fly in the best coaches to impart their skills. We start off with Kirsten, who is one of the best coaches in the world and then follow it up with Jonty Rhodes, which will be a masterclass in fielding.”
Kirsten will be working on the holistic development of the participants covering aspects of technique, mental toughness, pressure management, chasing targets and managing different conditions. With the coaches Kirsten will be sharing his coaching experiences with the Indian team, the Delhi Daredevils and the South African team.
Kirsten, who was in UAE during the Indian Premier League as Delhi team coach and conducts his own academy in South Africa known as Gary Kirsten Cricket Academy (GKCA) said: “I am looking forward to being back in the UAE and we are hoping to give everyone who attends the clinic a great cricketing experience. The GKCA always encourages players to express themselves as well as promoting flair, individuality, growth and leadership. Cricket is more that just a sport, it also imparts values like leadership, teamwork, ethics and integrity.”
Kirsten is being supported by coaches Russell Symcox, son of Pat Symcox and Ryan Cook, son of Jimmy Cook.
The programme has the backing of cricket enthusiast Shyam Bhatia. “We have been able to get Kirsten who is one of the busiest coaches due to Bhatia’s close connection with top cricketers. Rhodes too will be coming on invitation from Bhatia,” said Kobus, who was formerly Holland’s cricket development officer, CEO of Kenyan Cricket Board and Director of Cricket at University of Cape Town.
The clinic will have net sessions, video analysis, one on one with Kirsten and GKCA coaches, fielding drills, game scenarios and lectures. “It will be 16 hours with Kirsten for two days and the fee is Dh6,500. The clinic is limited to 40 boys but one talented cricketer who cannot afford the cost but recommended by an academy will be permitted free of cost. The fees for coaches are Dh1,000. Booking can be made on 050-6966752 or 04 3619828,” said Kobus.
