To take things for granted is the biggest mistake anyone can make. Nobody has a right to success. It must be earned. This is according to Kruger van Wyk, head coach of the defending Varsity Cricket champions, the University of Pretoria (Tuks).
“I don’t believe Tuks’ success the previous two years is due to a secret ingredient; rather it is to do the right things at the right time. Hard work and planning are the keys to success,” said Van Wyk.
We met on a hot summer afternoon, less than two weeks before the third Varsity Cricket tournament in Potchefstroom is due to begin. A tournament the boys from Pretoria are hoping to win for the third consecutive year.
According to Van Wyk, who represented New Zealand in test cricket, the question is how to deal with expectations. “There will always be expectations, whether you win the previous year or you came last.”
This year will be the first year that Van Wyk will be at the helm at Tuks. “Every coach has his own philosophy on how he wants things done. I believe in very hard work and to be prepared,” said Van Wyk. He said that he is excited by the number of talented youngsters emerging through the ranks at Tuks. “If I can take my players to perform at a level that they surprise themselves, I will feel I have achieved something.
“In this tournament, which showcases the cricket stars of the future, it is almost impossible to predict a winner. There are eight quality teams and anyone can win on any given day. Our focus is on ourselves. We must make sure that our game is of the highest standard.”
Van Wyk concluded by saying he will be confident should his team play according to their potential, “Then we will have achieved the wanted results.”
By Marnus Kok
