WCC to meet with Adams, disgruntled Cobras players

Cape Town - The Western Cape Cricket Board (WCC) will meet with Cape Cobras coach, Paul Adams, and the contracted players regarding the grievances aired against the coach.

The decision was made after a deliberation in which the content of the mediator report by the former South African physical conditioning coach Paddy Upton came under the spotlight.

Adams’ position was scrutinised recently.

An independent panel of Prof William Pick, Prof Cyril O’Connor, Archbishop emeritus Njongonkulu Ndugane, Rushdi Magiet and Rev. Courtney Sampson was appointed to address a formal complaint lodged by some senior Cape Cobras players about Adams' performance as coach.

The primary recommendation of the panel was that a mediator be appointed and this was also the position of the South African Cricket Players Association prior to the independent panel’s work.

Upton, a former member of Gary Kirsten's management team during his tenure as South African coach, was appointed as a mediator. Upton recently submitted his report to the WCC board.

Angelo Carolissen, the WCC-board chairperson, said the board deeply respect the concerns raised by the players and acknowledge that they are priceless assets to Cape Cobras cricket.

Yet, they are also aware of the impressive record of the Cape Cobras under the tutelage of Adams, as the team won two successive Sunfoil Series titles, a T20 Challenge trophy and won or shared the One Day title three times.

Several players evolved from franchise-level to make their Proteas debut since 2012, including Rory Kleinveldt, Dane Piedt, Dane Vilas, Stiaan van Zyl and Beuran Hendricks.

Wayne Parnell also earned an international recall in 2016 under the supervision of Adams.

Adams had recently undergone a value-based leadership course during the off-season, which he has successfully completed.

Consequently, the board has resolved to meet with the Cape Cobras contracted players and Adams soon in order to make a more informed decision in the best interest of Western Cape cricket, Carolissen added.