Klusener reaches Tripura to train youngsters for domestic meets

Agartala: Former South African all-rounder Lance Klusener arrived here on Saturday on a 100-day assignment to train the young cricketers in Tripura for the upcoming domestic competitions.It is for the first time that the Tripura Cricket Association (TCA) has engaged an international cricketing great as a coach to hone the skills of the young talents ahead of the domestic season.“Lance signed the 100-day contract with us on Sunday,” TCA secretary Tapas Ghosh said, adding that the full coaching of cricketers has been entrusted to him during the contract period. “We have begun with a small contract. Hopefully, cricketers of Tripura will go a long way with the support and guidance of Lance.”Speaking to the media, Klusener said, “I come from a small town like former Indian skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. I believe Tripura also has a lot of talent and together we can nurture them to hit the pitch.”Sharing his experience, Klusener said, “I spent a long time in a sugar factory in the Zulu region of South Africa where my father worked. From there, I was picked for the South African national team. Therefore, I am confident we can bring out the best cricketers from Tripura.”Klusener has played 49 Tests and 171 ODIs for South Africa. His exceptional performance at the 1999 World Cup is still cherished by cricket enthusiasts across the world.