Academy Coaches


The Cricket Academy (TCA) provides United Cricket Board (UCB) Level III, Level II and Level I Coaches for private, mini and holiday coaching programmes. The coaches attend TCA monthly workshops and are kept informed of the latest cricket updates, information and coaching techniques. Our coaches are evaluated and assessed regularly to guarantee their best performance at all times.


Gio Colussi

 (Academy Director and Senior Coach)

Gio is a UCB Level III Coach with 13 years coaching experience. He currently plays first team cricket for WPCC. He is widely regarded as one of the top technical coaches in the province and has been instrumental in the development of The Cricket Academy Coaching Programmes. Gio brings his immense energy, commitment and passion for cricket to The Cricket Academy.

Coaching qualifications:
  • 1998 CSA Level I Coaching Certificate
  • 1999 CSA Level II Coaching Certificate
  • 2006 CSA Level II Refresher Course
  • 2008 CSA Level III Coaching Certificate
Coaching experience:
  • 2004-Present: Cricket Academy Director
  • 2006-Present: Director of Coaching, WPCC Junior Section
  • 2005: Professional Cricket Coach, Royal Hague CC
    Structured and ran all coaching at the club with Neil McKenzie. This involved coaching boys age 5-18 as well as all of the senior sides.
  • 2003-2005: Professional Cricket Coach at RBHS and RBPS
  • 2003: Professional Cricket Coach, Banstead CC, Surrey
    Coached all junior teams at the club from age 6-15.
  • 2003: Professional Cricket Coach, Epsom College, UK
  • 2003: Professional Cricket Coach, Pinehurst Primary
  • 2000-2002: Professional Cricket Coach, Reddam House
  • 1998-Present: Private coaching


Derrin Bassage

 Senior Coach

“Bas” is a former professional cricketer. He is passionate about coaching and has 12 years coaching experience.

Coaching qualifications:
CSA Level II
Playing experience:
Nashua Cape Cobra’s, Nashua Western Province/Boland, Western Province, CSA High Performance Squad, Western Province Academy, WPCC 1st XI



Ryan ten Doeschate

 Senior Coach

“Tendo” has 11 years coaching experience and is a current international and professional cricketer. He brings an innovative and positive approach to his coaching sessions.

Playing experience:
2006-Present: Netherlands
2003-Present: Essex CCC
2001-2003: Western Province
2003-Present: WPCC 1st XI

Major awards: ICC Associate Player of the year 2008



Stephen George

 Senior Academy Coach

Steve has 6 years coaching experience and has been with The Cricket Academy since 2005. He is one of our most popular coaches.

Coaching qualifications:
CSA Level III
Playing experience:
Western Province Amateur, Western Province Academy, WPCC 1st XI




Andrew Northcote

 Senior Academy Coach

Andy is a new addition to our staff. He brings 7 years coaching experience and a wealth of playing experience to the academy.

Coaching qualifications:
CSA Level II
Playing experience:
Italy, Western Province Amateur, Western Province Academy, WPCC 1st XI



Ryan van Niekerk

 Senior Academy Coach

“Ryno” has coached at The Cricket Academy since January 2007. He brings immense enthusiasm and a structured approach to his sessions. He also possesses an abundance of patience and a positive attitude which makes him extremely popular with all of our members.

Coaching qualifications:
CSA Level II
Playing experience:
Western Province Academy, Eastern Province U/19, WPCC 1st XI