The appointment to mentor the senior provincial team resurrects his career as a first-class coach after a season at the helm of the WP Academy and WP U19 team. He stepped down as coach of the senior franchise after a prolonged period of player unhappiness, despite the fact that he had won five trophies in his five years in charge.
Former international batsman Ashwell Prince then took over the Cobras reins.
Adams says that the 18 months he had as coach of the academy and the U19 team taught him the importance of the pipeline structures to develop and nurture new talent.
It was also a period of reflection to work on his own leadership qualities.
‘I was quite excited when I got the call that I had been appointed,’ he said. ‘I see my role at senior provincial level as one in which I have to learn what each player’s individual goals are, to help nurture a team culture and to get each player to perform at optimum level.’
The former Test spinner is particularly enthused by the talent he will work with, saying there is a good balance between youth and experience in the squad.
The squad boasts the presence of exciting young fast bowlers including Thando Ntini and Michael Cohen, who has already made the step up on one or two occasions.
There is experience in the squad as well, with Andre Malan from North West and Qaasim Adams being two senior players who can catapult the team to new heights.
‘The WPCA is privileged to have a vastly experienced coach like Paul available to work with a squad full of young talent,’ said Nabeal Dien, CEO of the WPCA. ‘We believe he possesses the track record and knowledge on how to propel Western Province to a trophy-hugging unit again.’
