Lions Colts Head Coach Kurt Human took some time out to chat to us about his unbeaten team last season; his pre-season prep and the months ahead. Grab a coffee and enjoy reading about one of our key Pride members, Mr Kurt Human.
What is your role at Lions Cricket?
My role within the Lions Cricket eco-system is to oversee the Academy and Colts sides. For clarity, the Academy space is your school levers – those fresh out of the school set up and wanting to progress one day into the Colts system and ultimately don the Lions Cricket badge.
I typically look at a 3 – 5 year plan for the Academy players, then a shorter term from a goals perspective – say 2 – 3 years for Colts prior to progressing through to Lions.
How did last season go for the Colts?
Looking back at last season, I’m extremely proud of the Colts team for their clean sweep. Although it was only 4 matches due to the CSA restructure, the wins were of great importance: producing a solid bunch of talented youngsters capable of stepping up to the Imperial Lions.
It is my job to assist Coach Wandile Gwavu in maintaining his winning ways for our Lions Pride. We had a fantastic group of guys that played some beautiful cricket – the brand that we want to play, the Lions Way.
Talk to us about some of the stand out players?
Looking at some of the players that stood out for Colts, 21 year old Connor Esterhuizen certainly stepped up. He’s a young player, coming through our school ranks in the last few seasons. He had a break-through season, with his Imperial Lions debut against the Dolphins in the One Day Cup. Within our space, the wicketkeeper/ batsman is a leader and certainly one for the future. I believe that with more opportunities, he will certainly kick on and achieve higher honours. I really rate him. His top score of 222* in a three day game as well as being named our Player of the Season last year, he certainly has showed that he has what it takes within this Colts space. As a result, he has moved to Coach Wandile this Winter.
Another player to watch is Ronan Herrmann who had a very good last season including being part of the U19 World Cup squad that went to the West Indies in January. Prior to that, he had a fantastic Khaya Majola tournament and was named Player of the Week in Potchefstroom, clocking up in excess of 300 runs. From his return from the U19 World Cup, he slotted perfectly into our Colts space, having to then make his debut in the Imperial Lions team for the One Day Cup final. He is certainly one for the future – and whilst he still has some work to do, he will get through it over the next two or three years I have no doubt.
And players to look out for in the upcoming season?
In terms of new players coming through the ranks, it’s almost impossible to single out one or two. The greatest asset about Lions Cricket is that the Union ALWAYS produces players for the Protea’s – leaving tremendous opportunities for those hungry. Space is also created. For instance Marco van Biljon had a brilliant last season – who knows what we’ll see from him this coming season – I suspect a red ball debut for sure.
We also have Glen Adams back from Mpumalanga Rhinos who is now a more mature batsman that I suspect will knock on the door this season too. Then Cole Abrahams, the Colts top batsman last season.
Summarise the future for Colts for us?
In summary, I would say that the future is bright for the Colts, and with luck for some and unluckiness for others; we’re in line for a treat of cracking cricket from those proudly representing the Lions Cricket Union this season.
One thing I do know, is that as always, we’ll surround the boys with the necessary skills, expertise and passionate individuals to ensure they continue to Dream Big and grow, season to season.