‘Gogga’ has big dreams for Cobras

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 26, Paul Adams (Newly appointed Cobras Coach) during the Western Cape Cricket media briefing held at Sahara Park Newlands on June 26, 2012 in Cape Town, South Africa. The media briefing is held to announce the new Nashua Mobile Cape Cobras Coach. Photo by Ashley Vlotman / Gallo Images

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA - JUNE 26, Paul Adams (Newly appointed Cobras Coach) during the Western Cape Cricket media briefing held at Sahara Park Newlands on June 26, 2012 in Cape Town, South Africa. The media briefing is held to announce the new Nashua Mobile Cape Cobras Coach. Photo by Ashley Vlotman / Gallo Images

Published Jun 26, 2012

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Confident he can restore harmony to the team, Paul Adams will head up a new leadership trio at the Western Cape cricket franchise, the Cape Cobras.

The 35-year-old former Proteas left-arm spin bowler will be the head coach and 40-year-old Salieg Nackerdien will be the technical coach.

Adams replaces Richard Pybus, who resigned four months ago, after the players formally lodged a complaint with the Cobras' hierarchy about his management style.

“I've been part of the Cobras' structures both as a player and coach for many seasons and I have a good understanding of what is needed to have the players performing to the best of their ability,” Adams said.

“I have a responsibility to provide an environment in which the players will thrive and keep growing.

Adams said he would heed the advice of the experienced players in the group whenever the need arose.

“I know people have questioned my transition from a player to head coach of the Cape Cobras but I've been part of the family for 17 years,” said Adams.

“I've been in the Cobras' coaching structure for the past three years and there has been a good working relationship.

“We've reached a stage where we want to drive the franchise into a new era and, with the support and structures that have been put in place, I feel we can take the Cobras to a new level.

“Winning is vitally important and we must ensure that Cobras start winning championships again.”

Justin Ontong will captain the franchise, a position he previously occupied four years ago, when he returned to Cape Town from the Lions.

Ontong said the players welcome 'Gogga' as Adams is popularly known.

“There will be no problem for the players co-operating with Paul,” said Ontong.

“We have many experienced players who will help when needed and collectively we see every chance of the team moving to a higher level.”

The vice-chairman of Western Cape Cricket (WCC) Beresford Williams said in the process of assembling the Cobras' new structures, it was decided to use talent from the region as a means of creating opportunities.

“It's part of our function as an organisation to use local talent and provide opportunities in the game,” said Williams.

“The new appointments all have youth on their side and we are excited about how the team will respond under their guidance.”

Another appointment was the franchise vice-captain Dane Vilas, 27, a wicket-keeper who is challenging for Proteas honours.

WCC's chief executive André Odendaal said Johannesburg-born Vilas had shown great improvement over the last year.

“Dane has shown leadership qualities and we see in him a role for the future,” said Odendaal.

“He's really improved since he's been in Cape Town.” – Sapa

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