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MEET THE TEAM

GET TO KNOW US BETTER

BSI COACHING, SUPPORT & ACADEMIC STAFF

MICHAEL BALDERSTONE

Founder & Managing Director

Michael is a PGA Master Professional with the PGA of South Africa. He is also a member of the PGA of GB & Ireland, a member of the Proponent Group in USA and a Golf Digest SA Top 25 Coach. Michael won the National PGA Entrepreneur of the Year Award (2018) & has twice won the Central Gauteng PGA Coach of the Year Award (2013 & 2018).

MARK FAIRBANK

Head of Performance: Golf. Mental Coach

Mark has a Bachelor of Social Sciences (majoring in Psychology) from UKZN and a Bachelor of Psychology (Honours), majoring in Sports Psychology from UNISA. Mark's mental coaching combines his psychology training and competitive experience on the IGT Pro Tour.

DAVID THORPE

Head of Football

David’s international and local football experience will help accelerate us forward towards our vision. He has previously fulfilled roles with Manchester United, England University, TUKS Football Academy, Boston United, Lincoln City FC, Black Aces Football Academy and has experience coaching in Europe, the USA and UAE. This wealth of experience will prove invaluable in creating an environment in which our players can excel.

CHRISTOPHER WRIGHT

Head PGA Golf Coach

Christopher is a Class A qualified member of the PGA of SA, having graduated with his PGA Diploma through BSI Golf in 2011. Christopher’s coaching career includes working at Country Club Johannesburg Golf Academy, Newcastle GC and the Julian Krinsky School of Golf in Philadelphia, USA.

RENEE GOMES DA SILVA

Sports Scientist. Strength & Conditioning Trainer

Renée qualified in 2009 with a Sport Science Honours degree from the University of Johannesburg. She has years of experience working with teams and individuals across multiple sporting codes. Renée is certified in exercise science, TPI (Titleist Performance Institute) level 1, first aid level 2, functional taping, sports massage and XLR8 (speed, power and stability systems) level 1. She heads up the fitness programs for our full-time golf, tennis and basketball athletes.

JULIAN RUSS

Sports Scientist & Biokineticist

Julian has a Bachelors Degree in Biokinetics from University of Johannesburg. He is currently studying for his Masters in Philosophy and Biokinetics at UJ. Julian is registered with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), a registered member of the Biokinetic Association of South Africa (BASA) and is certified in Sports Massage and First Aid level 2. Julian played football for UJ. Julian's experience in football strength and conditioning, screening, program development, injury prevention and rehabilitation makes him and ideal fit for the role at BSI Football Academy.

GERALDINE PILLAY

Athletics Coach

Geraldine represented SA at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, at 3 World Championships & the All Africa Games. She is IAAF Level 3 Qualified to train Sprint, Long Jump, Hurdles & Sprint Relay. She previously held the position of Academy Manager & Coach at Tuks Athletics & has held multiple coaching positions at private schools in SA.

HELEN BARRETT

Performance Director: Tennis

Former Wimbledon player and Tennis SA Tutor, Helen brings her vast experience of playing and coaching at an elite level to her role as BSI's Tennis Performance Director.  She is a Professional Licensed Coach with Tennis SA, and has managed many South African teams in international competition.

PIETER DE WET

PGA Golf Coach

Pieter was a student in our Elite Academy in 2007 and 2008, before joining our coaching team to complete his PGA apprenticeship under our founder Michael Balderstone. Pieter remained on the BSI coaching team until 2014. Pieter will work with students across all our programs, as well as develop our competitive kids coaching programs.

CHALTON STEYN

PGA Golf Coach

Chalton is a A-class member of the PGA of South Africa. Having completed his PGA Diploma at BSI in 2017 Chalton then joined BSI as an intern to fulfill his apprenticeship. Chalton went on to serve as the Head Coach at EOGA Killarney for three years where he gained invaluable coaching experience. Chalton made the decision to resume his playing career and played on the IGT and Bushveld Tours with his best finish being 2nd place.

With a strong foundation as both a player and a coach Chalton is an asset to our team at BSI his dedication, experience and knowledge help to prepare our students for success in their golfing careers.

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