Johannesburg – Cape Cobras fast bowler Beuran Hendricks insists that the franchise has put the recent drama surrounding coach Paul Adams behind it and that the players are fully focussed on the start of the domestic season.
Although Hendricks claimed not to be au fait with all the details of the recent affair, which saw a group of Cobras players approach the Western Cape Cricket (WCC) board demanding Adams be axed, he felt the side would be able to move on and provide a unified front.
“Guys felt that they needed something fresh, something new, they took into their own hands what they felt they should do,” said Hendricks. “The process happened very smoothly, in the correct manner. I’m glad everything is settled now, and Paul is still on board and we can just move forward.”
Claiming he’s been happy working with Adams - and was not part of the group demanding his axing - Hendricks said there were various opinions among the players. “Everyone will have different opinions on things. The board took it into their own hands, ensured everyone’s opinion was looked at and made sure we can move forward.”
The WCC had negotiated with the SA Cricketers’ Association and then appointed Paddy Upton as a mediator. “I have to applaud the way Paul has handled things,” said the 26-year-old left arm fast bowler. “It hasn’t been easy, he’s not taken anything to heart. He’s still carried on doing his job as coach in terms of what he needed to implement for the new season. Things are moving forward nicely, despite those distractions. I feel there are certain things that Paul can improve, but those are things that we need to talk to him about, not mention them behind his back. He’s a young coach, and it’s for him to learn from this experience,” Hendricks explained.
The addition of Ashwell Prince to the coaching staff and Alan Dawson as a selector, and also bowling advisor are key appointments said Hendricks that will help to alleviate some of the demands on Adams, who has coached the Cobras for the last four years and won all three domestic trophies in that time.
“Ashwell will have a massive influence, a guy of his stature, with 66 Tests to his name. He’ll bring a lot of knowledge.”
*The Cobras announced a major sponsor yesterday at Newlands. After going through the entire 2015-16 season without a team sponsor, the Western Cape franchise have secured a two-year deal worth R9 million with construction company BuildNat.
Cape Times