Afridi the attraction in Pakistan's school visit

CAPE TOWN: Colourful allrounder Shahid Afridi was the main attraction for school kids when Pakistan team conducted a development coaching clinic in a local school here on Tuesday.

After their net session in the morning, the whole squad spent the afternoon at Elsiesrigesver High School where some 3000 budding players attended the clinic.

"I am here to gain some tips from my idol Shahid Afridi. I want to be like him," said 14-year old Eugene Franklin.

Afridi, who was dropped after scoring just one and conceded 63 runs against Australia, said the experience was delightful.

"It was nice to have pass some tips to kids and we hope they learn the game fast," Afridi said.

Pakistan team manager Shaharyar Khan sent the players in different batches with Rashid Latif guiding budding wicketkeepers and Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar passing on their experience to upcoming fast bowlers.

Coach Richard Pybus and bowling expert Daryl Foster also passed useful tips to the kids.

Team manager Shaharyar Khan said: "we are here to score off the field points and conducted a similar clinic in Johanesburg before the World Cup started."

Samiul Hasan
Media Manager
Pakistan Cricket Team
Mobile + 27 83 506 5828 February 18, 2003