The Cape Cobras have expressed their confidence in coach Paul Adams and his contract remains in place.
The Western Cape Cricket Board came to the decision following various processes including an Independent Panel Review and a report from Paddy Upton.
Adams’ position was scrutinised recently following a complaint made by a number of players about his performance as coach. The primary recommendation of the panel was that a mediator (Upton) be appointed which also was the position of the South African Cricket Players Association representing the players prior to the independent panel’s work.
Last week, Andrew Breetzke of the South Africa Cricketers’ Association told Club Cricket SA: ‘I can confirm that the majority of the contracted Cobras players have lodged a formal grievance with the Cobras. The grievance relates to a material breakdown in their relationship with the coach.’
Angelo Carolissen, chairman of the WCCB, said: ‘We deeply respect the concerns raised by the players and want to state that they are priceless assets to Cape Cobras’ cricket. We will leave no stone unturned in developing the players to become international stars or retain their status as South African icons.
‘We have no doubt that Paul Adams possesses the vision and leadership abilities to propel the Cobras to the summit of all three domestic logs and return them to their trophy-hugging ways. He will have the support of a former world-class middle-order batsman Ashwell Prince as assistant coach and the experienced former South African swing bowler Alan Dawson as convenor of the selection committee.
‘We have taken into account that Paul is a young coach and that under his watch the Cape Cobras clinched the Sunfoil Series competition twice, the Ram Slam T20 competition once, and won or shared the Momentum One Day Cup competition three times. During the past four seasons, he was short-listed twice as South African domestic coach of the year,’ he said.
After the board’s decision, Adams said: ‘I respect the players and have taken the learnings from this past winter to heart. I feel we will have a better understanding of each other. Part of my strategy to turn around the fortunes of the team was to secure the services of Ashwell Prince and Alan Dawson.
‘It excites me to be working together with the two former players who will bring vast experience and I am sure will add value to the Cobras. I have also committed to up-skilling myself to ensure effective leadership and to produce and maintain the quality and brand of cricket that the Cape Cobras are synonymous for.’
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