NZ can turn to cancer-survivor manager for inspiration

Updated on: 25 February,2011 07:00 AM IST |
Harit N Joshi | sports@mid-day.com

The New Zealand cricketers do not have to look too far for motivation in their hour of crisis

The New Zealand cricketers do not have to look too far for motivation in their hour of crisis. The presence of team manager Dave Currie should be inspiring enough for them to focus on their second group game against Australia at the VCA Stadium in Jamtha here today.

Even though the New Zealand team does not have a mental trainer, in Currie, also the chef de mission for New Zealand's Olympics and Commonwealth Games contingents, they have a very capable professional.

An acclaimed speaker on leadership, teamwork, motivation and goals, Currie has been managing athletes since 2000. His first day dinner talk at the 2008 Beijing Games had such an impact on the New Zealand contingent that they went on to win nine medals, bettering their previous best tally of four at Athens.

"Honestly, we have had enough of the earthquake talk. The guys need to talk about other things, at least till the match is over," Currie said.

"They are eager to perform well in the match. It is a tough challenge to beat Australia. We are happy for the sympathy and support pouring in from all quarters. "With the grace of God there is no loss of life to any family members of the cricketers and now they can concentrate on the match," he said.

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