The cricket season has come to an end, and the WSMC welcomes back Craig Govender from national duty. We caught up with Craig and asked him about his time with the Proteas Side and how his experience has been so far as the team's physiotherapist.

1. How has your journey with the Proteas been so far?

Its been a baptism of fire.  I have been super busy, from my debut Test verses Zimbabwe (26 December 2017) to the 4^th Test Match verses Australia (3 April 2018). Dealing with serious injuries and getting the players back on the field, has been my challenge.

Being part of the Proteas is a position which any Physiotherapist would like to be in and I do not take this likely.  I feel that I represent the whole of South Africa and my job is to always create a selection headache, by presenting a squad of fully fit players to the coach and the selectors.

Working with household names and creating memories and friendships has been my greatest blessing thus far.

2. What is it like working with some of the top sportsmen in the world?

Firstly, its been a blessing.  Secondly, these guys are as normal as anyone else we know.  They are true professionals, humble and respect everyone’s position within the team.  There is a reason, they are at the top of there profession.

On the funny side of life!  We had just landed in Johannesburg, dressed in casual clothing and were waiting for our luggage.  A fellow passenger, noticed AB De Villiers and asked him, “why are you dressed so causally and “incognito”.  AB had a good chuckle, shook his hand, took a photograph and simply said, “I am just a normal person, like you.”  With widened eyes, the passenger stood and smiled and said “Thank you, for what you do for country”.

3. What were some of the special moments for you?

Watching the debutants succeed this season.

Dealing with players that would do anything to play for their country and make a difference.

4. What advice would you give to aspiring physiotherapists?

Never ever give up on your dreams.

Leave no stone left unturned and always be 2 steps ahead, in your preparation.

Understand who you are dealing with.  You are dealing with more than just an injury, you are dealing with another human being, who thinks differently from you.  Get to know the individual and do not assume.

5. What are the best parts of your job?

Making my family; community and University (University of the Western Cape) proud

Able to fore fill my childhood dream, of being the Protea Team Physiotherapist

Working with household hero’s

Making a difference in the lives of these players

6. What role does the Physiotherapist play?

Manage all injuries and rehabilitation of Protea Contracted Players

Assist the Medical Team Doctor and Strength and Conditioning Coach in the management of the health and fitness of the players

Assist in the recovery process of players

Screening and Assessments of players

Setting up injury prevention program

Being the best net bowler possible – The love for spin bowling

7. How do you keep the players on the field even with niggles?

Understanding the nature and diagnosis of the injury is extremely important.  Players cannot always play with certain “niggles”, as this could put the player at risk of not completing the game and more importantly puts the team at risk.

Long hours of treatment and understanding the latest, most effective treatment procedures available, assists in process of getting players on the field.

8. What methods did you use for Morne, Vern, KG?

Again, understanding the nature of the injury and how much we can push a player.  This basically boils down to understanding the individual.

9. What would a normal day consist like for you?

I leave the hotel at around 7:30am.  I have 30 minutes to get all my stuff organized.  That is, prepare my strapping (cut what’s required), prepare the pre-match drinks and fruit, write down the times of the day.  When the players arrive, I begin strapping and get players ready for warm-up.  The warm-up on a Test Match day, will start at 8:50am.  Play starts at 10am.  Treatments are booked by players during the day, on my bookings board.  End of play is normally 17:30-18:00pm.  Treatments begin at the hotel from 19:00pm till late.

10. Do you only work with the Protea’s or can anyone see you for treatment?

I work at the Wanderers Sports Medical Centre, once Protea tours are over.  I have a private practice at the Centre and see any individual who requires physiotherapy.  The Wanderers Sports Medical Centre, is open to the public and based in the Wanderers Cricket Stadium.

Follow Craig on Social Media:

Instagram: @911Govie

Twitter: Craig_gov

Facebook : Craig Govender