Avondale College Sports Academy Coach: NAZEEM SMITH – CRICKET
Background
Nazeem spent 30 years competing in rugby union, cricket
and athletics. He was a representative of all three sports
during his primary and secondary school years before
gaining an athletics scholarship to Adam State College in
Colorado USA. Nazeem was a multiple national record
holder in the 100m, 200m, 400m and relay events.
Coaching information
Nazeem has been coaching rugby union, athletics and cricket for more than 20 years. He has
South African Elite Level Three coaching certificates in rugby, athletics and cricket. He is also
qualified in fitness conditioning and sports performance.
In rugby, his South African club (Violets RFC) represented the nation in an International
tournament held in Malaysia in 1994. Nazeem coached Western Province (South Africa) under 19
and Under 21 provincial teams to five titles and has coached former and current Springboks
(junior and senior).
However, his main focus with the Avondale College Sports Academy is cricket. Former clubs
Montrose Cricket Club and Victoria Cricket Club became South African national club champions,
and he coached the Western Province Under 19 team to three national titles. Nazeem coached
the Western Province senior women’s team to five national titles and served as assistant coach
and fielding coach of the Nashua Cape Cobras franchise, which contained 10 South African
players (including Captain Graeme Smith). He was a fielding coach with the Australian 2007
Cricket World Cup squad and also with the South African under 19 World Cup squad. Nazeem
was voted cricket coach of the year four times before moving to NZ in 2009.
Philosophy
Nazeem believes in the importance of the three D’s – Discipline, Dedication and Determination.
He also places emphasis on maintaining a high level of fitness, skill and ability. Nazeem
promotes good sportsmanship, the right temperament and encourages his athletes to show
confidence and a winning attitude.