Cricket Eastern Cape (Pty) Ltd today announced that coach Piet Botha would be stepping down as Head Coach. Botha, who has been involved with the franchise since its inception in 2004 and as Head Coach since 2011 has decided that he will not re-apply for the Head Coach position when his contract ends in April 2015.
“After some serious deliberation and some poor results over the last few months I have decided that I will not re-apply for the position and that it is therefore only fair on the Team, Support staff, the Board and the Public that I step aside as Head Coach at this time” said Botha
“I believe that the team is in need of a new direction and part of that process is to get a Coach with a fresh approach. I also believe that certain important decisions will have to be made now in order to help the team get back to its glory days of 2010. The Board has therefore accepted my recommendation and I will step aside as Head Coach and will continue to assist in a Technical Advisory position”
Malibongwe Maketa, Assistant Coach will take over the reins from Botha for the remainder of the season. “I am honoured to be given this opportunity. Piet has over the last two years allowed me to grow as a coach and I am looking forward to taking up the challenge. It will be important for the team to finish the season with some good results and I hope that I will be able to assist them in doing this.”
Dr Gary Paul, Chairman of Cricket Eastern Cape Human Resources and Remuneration Committee said “when CEC was recruiting for an Assistant Coach 2 years ago it was a process undertaken with due regard to the medium and long term possible succession implications. The position for Head Coach will be advertised in due course and although Malibongwe will be taking over in the interim, a competitive recruitment process will be embarked upon.”
CEC Interim CEO, Thando Booi thanked Piet for his dedication and commitment to the franchise over the past ten years “Piet has been an outstanding ambassador for the franchise and cricket in general. His knowledge and passion for the game is undeniable and his decision to step down shows the calibre of person he is.”
When looking back on his years at the Warriors Botha said “One of the highlights was helping the Warriors reach the Champion’s League final vs. Chennai Super Kings as assistant to Russel Domingo. Others were winning the Pro 20 and the 40 over competitions in 2010 also as the assistant coach as well as winning the amateur 3 day competition as the EP head coach in the same year. A further highlight was taking the team to India for the Champions League and being involved in one of the most memorable matches played by the Warriors – against the Royal Challengers Bangalore.”
In a statement made to the press today Botha thanked the players and support staff for their commitment and endurance during tough times and wished them well for the remainder of the season. “I need to mention the following people who have supported me a great deal during my time as the Warriors Coach – Dave Emslie (previous CEO), Russell Domingo, Adrian Birrell and the 2 captains I had in Davy Jacobs and Colin Ingram.
The role of a coach is tough on families with many days spent away from home and I need to thank my wife and 2 daughters for the massive support during my years with the Warriors.”
Alan Straton
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