Gary Kirsten is the former South African cricketer and ICC World Cup winning coach of the Indian cricket team, played 101 Test matches and 185 One Day Internationals for South Africa between 1993 and 2004, mainly as an opening batsman.
He retired from international cricket in 2004 after making history by becoming the first-ever Protea to play in 100 Test matches. He was also appointed as the coach of the South African cricket team in June 2011 and stepped down in August 2013.
After retirement, Kirsten established, Gary Kirsten Cricket, which is a global cricket business that provides coaching for individual cricketers, teams and coach education locally and Internationally.
He has a great passion for the development of sporting talent in South Africa and also Founded the Gary Kirsten Foundation which focuses on the creation of sporting ecosystems and healthy alternatives for township communities by providing quality infrastructure that is safe and accessible to people in the townships.
Gary Kirsten is known for his straightforward approach and has the knack of simplifying often complicated issues. His passion for excellence and accountability is infectious.
Gary offers the following to his audience:
A left-hander with a specialized batting technique, Gary Kirsten was known as one of the strongest pillars of the South African top-order. Gary is a former South African cricketer and the World Cup winning coach of the Indian Cricket team.
He played 101 Test matches and 185 One Day Internationals for South Africa between 1993 and 2004, mainly as an opening batsman. Gary’s game revolved around his basic strengths and weaknesses and his ability to adapt to different conditions.
Gary debuted against Australia in Melbourne in 1993 and over the years, His ability to concentrate for longer periods saw him becoming the leading South African run-scorer and centurion in Tests.
His career-best knock of 275 came in 14 and half hours, the second-longest innings in terms of duration in the history of cricket, when South Africa followed on against England at Kingsmead in 1999-00.
Later, in 2003, he returned to England to haunt them and in the Headingly Test, scored a crucial 130 that helped South Africa win the Test by 191 runs.
After he retired from the game, he was the batting consultant of the Warriors for some time and in 2006, he set up his own Cricket Academy in Cape Town. In 2008, he was elected to coach the Indian cricket team and over the next two years, changed the fortunes of the team.
Gary’s personality was often reflected off-the-field when he mentored the Indian team. Under him, India did extremely well as they gradually scaled the No.1 rank in Test cricket, when the Indian team won the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup.
In skipper MS Dhoni’s words, Kirsten was “the best thing to happen to Indian cricket”. He was later named coach of the South African national team in 2011. His attention to detail and structured approach makes him an effective communicator.
His articulate and eloquent manner combined with an unmistakable presence endears him to all. Known for his straightforward approach, Gary has the knack of simplifying often complicated issues. His passion for excellence and accountability is infectious.
LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHIES
It seems that we’ve forgotten that school is a place where you learn. It’s a place of preparation, not performance. Once you have learnt skills and gained confidence based on real competence, you are better prepared for the stress of performance and competition. As a proud father and sporting icon,
Gary also enjoys speaking to parents and educators about their approach to our children’s sport-life, and how it affects the children’s entire lives.
Gary Kirsten shares remarkable parts of his own story, and helps us to rethink and sharpen our involvement in school sports.
Known for his straightforward approach, Gary Kirsten has the knack of simplifying often complicated issues. His passion for excellence and accountability is infectious. He is a Professional Speaker, Sports Star
Contact us at Speakers Inc and subscribe to our YouTube channel
Carol Tshabalala is one of Africa’s most iconic sports broadcasters and an inspiring pioneer in her field. Dubbed South Africa’s “First Lady of Sport,” Carol has broken barriers in a male-dominated industry, building a career that has spanned over 20 years. Her journey has seen her rise to global recognition, with work that includes covering […]
Joey Rasdien is absurd yet thought-provoking stand-up comedy show tackles the touchy subject of evolution and how natural selection has blessed many of the figures that loom over South African life. Topics under scrutiny range from the devil and Charles Darwin to Julius Malema and Steven Hawking in a show that will make you laugh […]
Kagiso Mokgadi or KG as he is affectionately known is the son of a Sangoma and a nurse. KG takes his audiences on a unique comedy journey with a glimpse into the “behind the scenes” practices of a Sangoma and what it’s like having one that you call “dad” , a nurse for a mom […]
Nico Panagio was born and bred in a beautiful little village known as Pretoria. After matriculation at Pretoria Boys High School, Nico went on to complete his military service in the South African Navy. He was appointed the Captain of his Division and was ranked Able Seaman. Following 5 years in the corporate industry as […]
Mpho Popps Modikoane is a remarkable South African comedian who is best known to TV viewers for being one of the superstars to compete in the sixth edition of the SABC3 reality dancing competition Strictly Come Dancing, in 2013. Popps initially got noticed on the SABC1 competition So You Think You’re Funny! in 2009 before […]
Rianette Leibowitz focuses on Cyber Wellness and is on a mission to save lives by taking a more holistic view of our digital habits. Rianette founded SaveTNet Cyber Safety, is a Brand SOUTH AFRICA Play Your Part Ambassador, Author, TV & Podcast Presenter and Digital Parenting Expert. As head of Communications and Business Development for Cyanre the […]
Amanda du-Pont is an actress, television presenter, and commercial and fitness model, voice over artist and business woman. Amanda has acted on numerous television shows such as Muvhango, Generations, A place called Home, City Sesla, Intersexions, End Game, Task Force, Tarryn & Sharon, Kowethu, Mzansi Love and Single Guyz. Amanda has also acted on CBS […]
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
Our Mission
Our Mission:
© All rights reserved 2025. Designed using Voxel
