Cape Town - The future of Cape Cobras coach Paul Adams has split the Western Cape franchise down the middle.
Adams’ position has been cast under the spotlight after 14 of the contracted Cobras’ playing squad lodged a formal complaint. It is believed that his retention as head coach could possibly lead to an exodus of senior players.
Due to the serious nature of the matter, an independent panel of William Pick, Cyril O’ Connor, Njongonkulu Ndugane, Rushdie Magiet and Courtney Sampson will oversee the matter. The panel, along with the South African Cricketers Association, advised that a mediator be appointed, with former Proteas mental conditioning coach Paddy Upton assuming the role.
Upton has submitted his report to the WCC. It will be addressed at a board meeting tonight. However, it is understood that Adams has the full support of the WCC executive board and that he will not be dismissed, especially as the former Proteas spinner is in possession of a new two-year contract.
“I was made aware of complaints after last season was completed,” Adams said. “I am a young coach and always willing to learn and take these observations on board. I wish it was communicated to me during the season, so that it could be addressed.
“I have undergone a leadership course during the winter and I’m confident of the way forward. The sun is out and the boys are outdoors training in the nets. That’s my focus at the moment, to get my players ready for the new season.”
But the expected retention of Adams is unlikely to be greeted with approval from the majority of the Cobras players, which includes Proteas stars Hashim Amla, Dale Steyn, Wayne Parnell, Dane Piedt, JP Duminy, Stiaan van Zyl and Vernon Philander.
Angelo Carolissen, chairman of the WCC board, on Wednesday only stated that “the board will meet on Thursday whereafter a press release will be sent out”.
South African Cricketers’ Association chief executive Tony Irish has confirmed that several Cobras players had lodged a “formal grievance to the breakdown in their relationship with the coach”.
The WCC’s expected decision to stick with Adams stems from the 39-year-old’s success since his appointment back in 2012. He steered the Cobras to a share of the One-Day Cup titles in 2012-13 and 2013-14 season, while winning back-to-back Sunfoil Series during the same periods. The Cobras also won the RamSlam T20 Challenge in 2014-15, and also qualified for the now-defunct Champions League T20 in India two years ago.
Last season, though, was the first time in eight campaigns that the Cape outfit failed to add any silverware to the Newlands trophy cabinet. The WCC board had hoped to halt this slide with a shake-up of Adams’ support staff.
Former Proteas Test batsman Ashwell Prince - a 66-cap veteran - was earlier this week installed as assistant coach, with a specific focus on mentoring batting prodigies like Zubayr Hamza, Jason Smith, Keegan Petersen and Simon Khomari. Prince has replaced former Boland batsman Salieg Nackerdien.
Cape Argus