It’s not often that you get to play an active role in an international sporting event. Sports Skills for Life Skills Alumni Craig Govender did just that at the recent T20 World Cup hosted in Dubai.
We spent some time discussing his views, sharing his experiences and opinions of “bubble life”, pressures on backroom medical staff to keep players fit and on the field of play and the personal burden that one takes on when faced with that responsibility. Thank you for your time Craig.
You have now completed a T20 Cricket World Cup and a 50 Over Cricket World Cup in 2019. Did the 2019 World Cup experience stand you in good stead?
It did. Experience is indeed something that cannot be taught in a textbook. Knowing that there will be certain expectations leading up to a big tournament allowed me to prepare accordingly.
The pressure of being in a World Cup is always x 10 and when there’s injuries about there’s greater expectation to get players on the field quicker without a reinjury occurring. With three to four days between games things got really stressful.
Making sure I had all the equipment and supplies needed for 7 weeks required efficient planning. I am a bit pedantic around my supplies and my Physiotherapy bags (8) are always evolving so I have everything possible for players. From nail clippers to heel cups to finger supplies to make sure players play even with fractures and pain.
“Glove Love” is important with injured fingers
What is your Physiotherapy Philosophy? What keeps you going day in and day out?
I know who I am and what I stand for as an individual. My parents are the main reason for my Life philosophy which ties into my Physiotherapy philosophy. I grew up in a very loving and family-oriented home who believed that serving people is the reason for living.
In Hinduism, we believe in the Sanskrit word call “Seva” meaning, Service.
They have given my brother and I as much as they could and returning their love, will be by paying it forward and serving others, from every walk of life. In hindsight that’s probably why the love for cricket and Physiotherapy found me 🇿🇦
What was the toughest moments in the World Cup?
Without any shadow of a doubt, living in a Bio-Secure Environment (BSE) makes life a lot more tougher. Forty-four days in the same hotel, with the same things happening and not being able to see a city was challenging.
Being without my wife for such an extended time was not easy as she has a full-time job, which doesn’t allow her to enter the BSE when required.
What were your proudest moments of the World Cup?
Team - As a team we had a few challenges but to see the guys galvanize for one another for the sole goal of winning was an awesome sight. The pre planning of nets by the coaches and high intensity net sessions showed on the field. Everyone played their part in their own departments to make sure things worked.
Personally - All players got on the field including one Namibian. I really felt blessed to meet and assist the Namibian Physiotherapist, Chrystal Freyer. Before the first game against Australia, the heat was on. I didn’t sleep much (probably two hours) before the game because there were three players that had to have fitness tests the day before the game. I basically sat on the edge of my seat for the entire game, in the corner of the dugout and on my own. I didn’t eat anything until the game was over. There were a few more injuries during the tournament but we managed to strap guys together to get them playing. All players that were required to play, did!
General - A really proud moment was at the beginning of the tournament, when the qualifies were being played in Oman. In total there were 12 Physiotherapists & Strength and Conditioning Coaches from South Africa who were members of teams in the tournament. That’s a huge complement to our country.
If we had to add the number of players and coaching staff present, we are a country that produces quality cricket personnel #ProudlySouthAfrican 🇿🇦
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