Cricket coach Lutho Nkanjeni believes that introducing aspiring cricketers to the basic skills required at an early age will aid them in their attempt to build a successful career in the game.
Nkanjeni spoke this week as he finalised plans for a three-day cricket coaching clinic at Kabega Park Primary School next week.
Nkanjeni, who runs the How’s That Cricket Academy, said the programme, which runs from November 25 to 27, would see him collaborate with like-minded Gelvandale Cricket Club members Shaakir Abrahams and Sheldon Pillay to put the children through their paces in a range of activities.
He said the clinic was just the beginning of what he hoped would flourish into a venture that could help young players take the next step.
Being cricket players themselves from their junior days in the academy system at Gelvandale, Nkanjeni said those pipelines were vital for their development and they wanted to provide similar opportunities.
The clinic would be specifically focused on age groups between 11 and U13 and they were looking to cater for about 24 children.
“We will teach them the fundamentals of batting, seam, and spin bowling,” Nkanjeni, who is a teacher and cricket coach at Kabega Primary, said.
“We want to allow them to become familiar with each facet of the game.”
“We have kept the numbers low to keep things as competitive as possible because a competitive edge is also something that can be developed over time.
“After each of the skills sessions, teams will play T20 and timed matches as well as [have] debrief sessions to identify the areas which need work,” he said.
Pillay said much had changed since the Covid-19 pandemic, with the younger generation more inclined to be hooked on electronic devices.
“The main thing with this clinic is getting children outside and enjoying themselves while being active, meeting fellow cricketers from other schools.
“It is for the cricket lovers who can never learn enough about the game, no matter their age,” he said.
Abrahams, who has had a taste of cricket at a domestic level with Boland, said garnering interest at an early age was essential because, without the children, the game would cease to grow.
“The more youngsters we have coming into the game will be of benefit to both them as players and us as coaches, and ultimately we want it to be of benefit to the province.
“Without the children’s interest, the sport will not grow, so these types of clinics are vital in developing not only their skill but their love for the sport,” Abrahams said.
Nkanjeni said a spot at the clinic would cost R400 for all three days, which would include meals on each of those days.
Applications close on Friday and Nkanjeni can be contacted on 071-504-5849 for more information.
HeraldLIVE
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