MUSCAT: Following the success of previous two coaching camps since October 2022, Oman Cricket (OC) is now gearing up to host the third edition of the Gary Kirsten Cricket (GKC) coaching camp at the Oman Cricket Academy ground in Al Amerat from October 26-30.
OC’s endeavour to promote cricket at grassroots level has been one of the primary goals of their development programme and the hosting of coaches from the renowned GKC is part of the efforts to achieve their goals.
GKC hosted the inaugural camp last year and was attended by nearly 100 students and the second camp saw the visit of the famed cricketer Gary Kirsten to Muscat in February earlier this year.
According to Evert Laubscher, Oman Cricket Academy manager, the five-day camp will be split into grassroots development and high-performance camps.
Laubscher said: “The Gary Kirsten coaching team have really done a tremendous job to get to know and understand the young aspiring cricket players of Oman. We look forward to building on this relationship.
“This time we are also including T20 matches along with the coaching sessions. These matches will also be closely observed by the Gary Kirsten coaching team, which will then allow them to help us identify future talent and also provide the players with valuable feedback.”
Another bonus for cricketers who attend the forthcoming GKC camp will be a 20 per cent discount at the Oman Cricket Academy for three months, beginning from November.
Jimmy Cook, a leading trainer from GKC will be part of the coaching team during the third camp next month.
The grassroots development camp will be for beginners and Omanis will be provided free lessons while the others will have to pay OMR10 for the camp.
The high-performance camp will be for under-14 and under-19 players and the four-day camp will also include three T20 matches at the Oman Cricket grounds and two days of coaching lessons. The fee for this camp is OMR60 with discounts available for siblings.
During his maiden visit in February, Gary Kirsten, the former World Cup-winning coach, had highlighted the role of parents in nurturing young cricketers. Kirsten had visited Oman during the second camp.
The South African great lauded the cricket system adopted by Oman Cricket and was impressed by the enthusiasm and eagerness to learn from the youngsters in Oman.
Since his retirement in 2004, Kirsten, a former opening batter, has devoted his time to running GKC, coaching international teams and franchises and tasted tremendous success, leading India to a World Cup title in 2011 and as a mentor of Gujarat Titans in IPL 2022.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
