But it is as a cricket coach that Ford was destined to prove his ability. His first coaching assignment was with the University of Natal, in Pietermaritzburg, where he also served as a Sports Union officer.
He later coached Natal Colts and ended up becoming the coach of Natal's senior team in 1992.
Ford's first major success came in 1994-95 when, getting the best out of the exciting youngsters like Shaun Pollock, Jonty Rhodes, Lance Klusener, Neil Johnson, Dale Benkenstein and Errol Stewart, he helped Natal win South Africa's premier first-class championship.
In 1996-97, Natal won not only the national first-class title again under the guidance of Ford but also the one-day competition at the expense of the South African team itself.
Top: Graham Ford with Shaun Pollock
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