Sivile Primary in Khayelitsha was the fourth school this month to receive a Gary Kirsten Foundation (GKF) cricket “ecosystem”.
It’s exciting news for young cricketing enthusiasts who gain access to newly-constructed artificial cricket nets, complete kit bags with cricket equipment for an entire team, and a full-time accredited coach, under the guidance of the Gary Kirsten Cricket Academy.
Kirsten, 49, is a formidable mentor.
The Protea cricketer and coach, and of course, ICC World Cup winning coach of Team India, is ranked among the best in the world at what he does.
“There’s no easy path to success,” says Kirsten.
“It requires many hours of practice, dedication to your cause and a little luck along the way.”
Perhaps it was a bit of luck that his dad was once groundsman at Newlands Cricket Stadium.
“My fondest cricketing memories come from days spent playing with my brothers at Newlands Cricket Stadium. It was many years ago and we had the best backyard in South Africa.”
He says he is often asked about winning the World Cup in 2011.
“Coaching Team India was a great experience as was the incredible win.
“However, my fondest times are from the three-year journey I had with a great bunch of players during that time.”
Kirsten says he is as proud to have coached the Proteas.
“I will always look back fondly at my time with the team as a player and a coach. We have so many talented players in the Proteas team and we hope to assist in producing many more through the foundation.
“It is so rewarding to be able to give back to the game that has given me so much. The GKF is providing cricket infrastructure to schools that have never had access to facilities.
“We are giving local coaches job opportunities and growth pathways through the academy and we’re establishing sustainable cricket systems and leagues in the township communities.”
So far there are four kitted schools and more than 35 cricketers, boys and girls, receiving coaching daily.
There is also a high-performance coaching session once a week to further develop players who show further exciting potential.
Kirsten beams about his new initiative.
“We’re pleased to announce that the GKF has also registered two additional teams to play in the Western Cape schools league, starting in the 4th term. We have four full-time cricket coaches and will soon be launching our umpiring and scorers programmes for parents, school teachers and others who are interested in the game.”
He says: “I continue to be inspired by the raw passion and love for the game shown by the enthusiastic youngsters I meet. We have great people involved in our coaching structures and every bit of support we have received from each of the school stakeholders has been fantastic.
“As a foundation we are looking to grow the programmes and our offerings to many more schools around South Africa.”
* To find out more visit @GaryKirstenFoundation on Facebook.