Despite a vote of confidence from the WCC on Monday, players remain unhappy with the decision to keep Adams as coach of the Cobras. 

CEO of the South African Cricket Players Association and the aggrieved players’ spokesperson, Tony Irish, said that the players were content with the process in which it was managed, but there remains bitterness over the whole issue.

‘Upton had discussions with a whole group of players, Adams and several board members. He is a world-renowned expert on team dynamics and was named as mediator by the board. The players support this appointment.

‘They feel very strongly about the issue and will decide on the way forward,’ said Irish.

Angelo Carolissen, chairperson of the WCC-board, commented earlier this week: ‘We studied the recommendations of the independent panel and the report submitted by Upton. 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 he 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. Paul 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.

‘Apart from these appointments, we are looking to further bolster the support team to serve all the needs of our players.

‘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 T20 competition once, and won or shared the One Day Cup competition three times. During the past four seasons, he was short-listed twice as South African domestic coach of the year.’

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