Junior Cricket Development progressing well
This elite squad consists of junior players of high school age. The squad is coached by Andre Pretorius (Level 2) and Gavin Reddy.
The Umzinto & Districts Cricket Union started a junior development coaching programme in January this year.
This elite squad consists of junior players of high school age. The squad is coached by Andre Pretorius (Level 2) and Gavin Reddy.
Not only is Gavin a Level 1 coach but he is also a contracted player to the KZN Dolphins Academy and brings the latest coaching techniques to the players. The emphasis is on fitness, thinking about the game, personal development and then technical aspects.
The squad has played two matches in the KZN U17 Rural Programme where they hosted Illembe at Umzinto and then travelled to Richards Bay to play against Uthungulu.
Although Umzinto lost both matches, the margin of loss was not high as the majority of the players are aged 16 and below. They have also played two friendlies, one against a touring team from Delhi Public School which showcased the high level of cricket that youngsters from India are exposed to.
The second friendly was against the Cricket South Africa Hub based in Reservoir Hills in Durban. In this match, Umzinto’s talent came to the fore with a good win over a strong team.
This squad will serve as a base for identifying players for trials, Kwanaloga Games, CSA High School T20 squads etc. Future plans include forming an U15 squad to play in the Durban & Districts Junior League as well as friendlies against the various CSA Hubs and touring teams.
Training takes place on Saturday mornings at the ICC Umzinto from 08.30am to 10.30am and all high school aged players are welcome to attend. An off season programme will be conducted so that attention can be given to individual aspects of each player.
Andre Pretorius
