Aspiring cricketers get tips from a Springbok

André Dique of the Future Legends Youth Cricket Academy is passionate about cricket and hopes to pass on all the lessons he has learned. In conjunction with Laerskool Malelane, he started conducting weekly training sessions for interested primary school pupils.

On Friday afternoon several boys arrived at Laerskool Malelane’s sports field for their weekly lesson, kitted out in their cricket gear and eager to learn.

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Besides teaching them cricketing essentials such as batting, bowling, fielding, wicket keeping, rules and match situation readiness, they will also learn about fitness, balance, flexibility, endurance, hand-eye coordination and decision-making.

Dique says he has always loved cricket and that it had afforded him many opportunities.

As a learner and student, he was part of provincial cricket teams for many years.

After school Dique coached several teams and in 2001, the all-rounder received his national colours in indoor cricket.

He has not only coached teams in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng but also in England, where he started out as a player. In 2005 and 2006 he was part of Godalming Cricket Club’s first team and was awarded best cricketer of the year. He also coached youngsters at the club.

For the past decade, he has been involved in private coaching.

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“Cricket has shaped me into becoming a fearless and respectful person. Cricket also teaches you how to handle life’s moments of glory and defeat. The secret is keeping both your feet firmly on the ground regardless of which moment you find yourself in,” Dique said.

During Friday’s coaching session the boys learned, among several other skills, how to properly throw the ball, catch it and how to apply these skills during a mock match.

For more information, contact Dique on 082-448-0592 or andriesdique29@gmail.com.