Rob Walter has resigned from his position as head coach of the Titans to join Otago in New Zealand.
Walter will start his new tenure in New Zealand on 1 September.
Under the astute guidance of Walter, a former South African conditioning coach, the Titans turned into one of the most successful franchises, sharing the Momentum One-Day Cup with the Cape Cobras in 2013-14, before taking sole ownership of the same limited-overs trophy the following year, beating the same foes in comprehensive fashion. They achieved the coveted domestic double last season by triumphing in the Ram Slam T20 Challenge and the Sunfoil Series.
‘Rob pioneered a new spirit in the Titans cricketing family,’ said CEO Jacques Faul. ‘It was a value- and person-centred approach to raise the standards of fitness and cohesion while setting goals in association with each player in order to maximise individual’s potential. This approach has proven infinitely successful.
‘He has transformed the franchise in many ways. It was evident in the way the franchise batting improved the past two seasons, as our top- and middle-order produced 22 centuries in two seasons. We also improved our consistency in the bowling department.
‘The Titans were explosive and attack-minded. They pursued wins but encapsulated the spirit and values of good sportsmanship. The work-ethic throughout the year was five-star.’
Walter leaves the Titans in a healthy position, and there were also several barn-storming performances by junior and senior stalwarts which caught the eye.
‘It is indeed a dark day for Titans cricket to lose a coach of Rob’s stature,’ Faul concluded.
‘What prompted my decision is that I have a young family and I wish to pursue a new coaching challenge in a different environment that will help me grow as a coach,’ Walter said.
‘I could literally celebrate some personal achievement with every player that I have worked with over the past three years,’ Walter added. ‘For that, I am eternally grateful. Those are the moments that you cherish and reflect on as a coach. The realisation that I will be ending my journey at the Titans is extremely sad because I have loved very moment of the journey,’ Walter emphasized.
Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images
