EXCLUSIVE | New coach Kleinveldt encourages WP players to play freely, says Hendricks
Beuran Hendricks says Rory Kleinveldt has brought fresh energy and freedom to Western Province ahead of the new season. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Western Province fast bowler Beuran Hendricks believes the squad has bought into new head coach Rory Kleinveldt’s message of playing freely and expressing themselves as they navigate a rebuilding phase ahead of the 2025/26 domestic season.
Kleinveldt was announced as Western Province’s new head coach during the winter, replacing Salieg Nackerdien. The former Proteas fast bowler had previously been part of Nackerdien’s staff as assistant coach before taking up the bowling coach role at Northamptonshire County Cricket Club in the United Kingdom.
Now back at the iconic Newlands Stadium as head coach, Kleinveldt is working with his former teammate and now senior player Hendricks, who emphasised that the squad is thriving under the new leadership.
“It’s been brilliant. Myself and Rory go a long way back. I started my career while he was in the Cobras, and now he’s gone on to become the head coach. He also worked as the assistant coach before that, so we have a very good relationship,” Hendricks said.
“Since he’s come on board, there’s been a new type of energy in the environment. The guys are excited to work under him.
"He’s got a wealth of knowledge about the game and a big passion for it. I think that’s going to drive the players in the right direction moving into the season.”
Hendricks told Independent Media that Kleinveldt has brought a mentality that encourages players, especially youngsters such as Valentine Kitime and Abdullah Bayoumy, to express themselves and show why they belong in Division One cricket.
“The message he wants to bring across to everybody in the camp is to express yourself, be yourself, and play your natural game. We’ve got a talented group of players, a few young names on the list now that are vying for a place,” he said.
“What he wants to do is allow them to express themselves and show everyone why they are at that level and why they deserve to be in the team. That’s his message, and the guys are taking it on board.”
Western Province begin their season with a Four-Day Series fixture on September 25 against the Warriors at St George’s Park in Gqeberha.