Jo van Dyk picked up skills at the High performance Centre that will help him pick up wickets
Jo van Dyk picked up skills at the High performance Centre that will help him pick up wickets
A YOUNG cricketer had one of his dreams come true recently, when he was invited to the High-Performance Centre (HPC) in Pretoria, where he participated in a fast bowlers camp organised by Cricket South Africa (CSA).
Jo van Dyk, the Northern Cape Heat cricket team’s talented fast bowler recently returned from the fast bowlers camp saying that his selection to attend the camp had been a dream come true.
Speaking to the DFA Jo said that his experience at the camp has without a doubt left an indelible impact on him, boosting both his skills and his aspirations.
The DFA asked Jo about his experiences and if he feels he achieved anything worthwhile during the camp.
Overwhelmed with excitement and gratitude, Joe eagerly spoke about what the stint at the HPC meant to him. “I was absolutely grateful for this opportunity to be able to attend the camp and just learn from the best coaches and players,” he said.
Jo said that he found it difficult to believe that he had been selected at first. However, as time passed, the news began to sink in and he found himself being filled with excitement, but mostly he was motivated to make the most of this life-changing experience.
Eager to learn as much as he possibly could, Jo said that throughout the sessions at the camp he focused on learning how to improve his craft.
“I went in with an open mind to just learn and become more consistent as a fast bowler. There are always things to improve on and become better at,” he said. Saying that this approach worked to his benefit.
Working with some of the nation’s best coaches has been an invaluable experience for Jo. He told the DFA that he had eagerly anticipated the guidance he would receive during the camp.
“The guidance of the coaches will help me become more consistent in my skill and pace. I hoped that they would give me the knowledge to go back home and improve and set even higher goals for myself,” he revealed, acknowledging the impact that expert coaching can have on a cricketer’s journey.
Understanding the importance of having a strong mind as a bowler, Jo emphasised its role in complementing his skills.
“The mental aspect of fast bowling is just as important as the skill itself. I am someone who just loves bowling fast and being able to play the game. I tend to try and think of ways to get a batter out. I focus on the task ahead, one ball at a time,” he said.
Stepping Stone
The camp has no doubt provided Jo with an excellent opportunity to fulfil his childhood dream of playing for the Proteas, South Africa’s national cricket team.
“As a kid, I’ve always wanted to play for the Proteas, and just rubbing shoulders with the best bowlers in the country gave me more drive to compete with them and hope to play with them one day,” Jo said, adding that the experience at the HPC was like a stepping stone and had boosted his ambition to excel in the sport.
Inspired by the legendary fast bowler Brett Lee, Joe held him up as his role model in cricket. “The way he went about his career and how he improved his game is definitely inspirational,” Jo told the DFA, pointing to Lee’s remarkable journey.
The DFA asked Jo if he had any words of wisdom for up-and-coming fast bowlers. The young speedster responded by offering wise advice: “Enjoy every moment and stay patient with the process,” he said. “It is a difficult and hard road to choose, but definitely one of the greatest feelings you will ever experience,” Jo said, hoping to inspire others to pursue their dreams with dedication and perseverance.
Jo also told the DFA that his cricketing journey had not been without challenges. He had picked up injuries that temporarily sidelined him – something that is obviously frustrating and demoralising. However, with unwavering support from his family and faith in God, he had overcome these obstacles, emerging stronger and more resilient.
The DFA asked Jo if he could remember where his passion for bowling was first kindled. In response, he recounted a pivotal moment during his Under-11 cricket days. “I had a game that made me fall in love with bowling, and it has become my passion ever since,” he fondly recalled, cherishing – but not elaborating on – the memory that ignited his love for fast bowling.
Now, with Jo van Dyk back from the transformative fast bowlers camp, his passion, dedication, and unwavering determination serve as an inspiration to all young cricketers aspiring to make their mark in the game.
The cricketing fraternity eagerly awaits witnessing this rising star’s journey to greatness.
