The second successful year of the SA Shell Cricket Academy draws to an end with outstanding results and achievements by all those who attended the Academy.

The Academy Elite squad is made up of invited cricketers leaving school, who spend one year at the Academy, following an intense cricket programme and at the same time following an educational course at Varsity College. The year is a demanding one for the boys, in between their academic studies they complete courses in Umpiring, Sports Psychology, Sports Nutrition, Sports Anatomy and Physiology, a level II Coaching Course and attend Academy practices and fitness sessions as well as playing games.

On Monday, 3rd December at Kingsmead Cricket Stadium was the end of year Cocktail Party and Awards evening where awards were given to players who achieved this year and the squad chosen for next year was also announced.

Victor Xulu, a very deserving recipient, who was chosen for the KwaZulu-Natal Coastal Team and the KwaZulu-Natal u/19 team received the Academy Player of the Year 2001 award. This award is not only recognises cricketing achievements but also academic achievement and dedication and effort shown towards all aspects of the year spent with the SA Shell Cricket Academy.

The following boys received the SA Shell Cricket Academy Acheivers awards:

- Russell Symcox who was selected for the SA u/19 team, the KZN 'B' team and the KZN u/19 team during the year.
- John Anderson who was selected for the KwaZulu-Natal inland team, and the KZN u/19 team.
- Matthew Dennington was selected for the KwaZulu-Natal Coastal team and the KwaZulu-Natal u/19 team.
- Imraan Khan was selected to play for SA u/19, Kwazulu-Natal u/19A and was awarded a contract to play for the Nashua Dolphins this year.

The most improved player award was given to Saeed Mhlongo who has shown phenomenal improvements during year. Saeed was chosen to represent the KwaZulu-Natal u/19 team and the KwaZulu-Natal Schools 'A' team earlier this year.

The cricketers who successfully completed their year at the SA Shell Cricket Academy for 2001 were: Tim Harvey, John Anderson, Tanner Rock, Fabian Lazarus, Stanton Govender, Patrick Steytler, Victor Xulu, Matthew Dennington, Scott Power, Russel Symcox, Bryan Pieterson, Lucky Dladla and Ravi Reddy.

The squad chosen for the 2002 year was Creesan Naicker, Imraan Khan, Daryn Smit, Andrew Perkins, Ashraf Kadwa, East Springer, Nqaba Mpofu and Anley Chinnappa.

Due to the success of the SA Shell Academy at Kingsmead, we will be extending the Academy to Pietermaritburg next year.

© KwaZulu-Natal Cricket Union