‘I wanted to have a look at cricket in our poorest….’ – Gary Kirsten opens up on transformative initiative through cricket academy

Legendary cricket coach Gary Kirsten created an innovative project to improve the Khayelitsha township community. Notably, the initiative uses cricket’s ability to motivate good change in an area where poverty and violence are common. However, the former South African cricketer remarked on his journey back to Cape Town after coaching India at the 2011 World Cup and expressed his dream of introducing cricket to the city’s impoverished areas.

The star cricketer says that he always wanted children to have cricket in their careers, especially in cities like Cape Town. In addition, the 56-year-old cricketer feels that no cricket opportunities were there in his city, and he started from there to have the academy. Moreover, the former batting legend also talks about how it helps him personally to take the game to the epitome of the level.

“When I came back from India, I wanted to have a look at cricket in our poorest neighbourhoods in Cape Town. The idea struck me… I took a tour of the area… and found that no cricket was happening… We started with two concrete nets in two schools and then included three more schools. It is helping me to avoid street things like smoking weed and helping me keep my body and lungs fit,” Gary Kirsten in an interview with PTI.

Most of the kids come from underprivileged communities: Gary Kirsten

Gary Kirsten says that most of the children come from lower backgrounds, and he can give them opportunities if they have the right talent. Moreover, the former left-handed batter feels that the cricket academy in South Africa can keep children away from drugs and crimes, which will help the community grow.

“Talent is universal, opportunity is not. Most of the kids come from underprivileged communities… We are encouraging them to play cricket so they can stay away from stuff like drugs and crime. We are coaching in three primary schools and two high schools… It’s for everyone in the community,” he added further.