Nosworthy latest coach to move on
The Highveld Lions have become the third South African franchise in six months to lose their coach, ESPCricinfo has confirmed.
Dave Nosworthy resigned his post 11 months before the end of his contract, joining Graham Ford who left Dolphins for Sri Lanka, and Richard Pybus, who stepped down as the Cobras head coach and has since been appointed by Bangladesh. South African domestic cricket has now lost its three most experienced franchise coaches.
Nosworthy tendered his letter of resignation on June 4, but it was only accepted by the Lions board on Monday. Although Nosworthy called it “a sad time” and Cassim Docrat, the Lions CEO, thanked Nosworthy for his service and labelled him a “loyal, professional and dedicated individual”, ESPNcricinfo understands that ideological disputes and a lack of results caused Nosworthy’s departure from the franchise.
In a statement, Nosworthy said “a number of personal and principled factors were involved in my decision”. Sources close to the franchise say differences with the current administrators of have underlined these factors.
Results did not come for the Lions under Nosworthy. They did not win a single trophy, although they reached two Twenty20 finals and qualified for the Champions League T20 twice, including this year. They produced two nationally contracted players in Alviro Peterson and Thami Tsolekile (although neither are from the franchise originally) and have had numerous players called up to South Africa’s A side such as Chris Morris, Temba Bavuma and Pumi Matshikwe, while wicketkeeper batsman Quinton de Kock has captained the national Under-19 side.
Nosworthy believes he is leaving the franchise “on the brink of bigger and better things”. Although he would not comment on his future, Nosworthy has applied for the New Zealand coaching job, which will become vacant when John Wright steps down after the West Indies tour. Nosworthy has experience in the country, having previously coached Canterbury.
Lions will not open applications for the coaching job at their franchise and will appoint someone from within. Assistant coach Geoffrey Toyana is the frontrunner for the job. Toyana played 84 first-class matches and has coached at national U-19 level. If appointed, he will be the first black African head coach in the franchise era.
Adams has been appointed coach of the Cape Cobras.
The Dolphins board will meet soon to discuss the candidates for their franchise. Although they have not revealed names, it is understood that former West Indian fast bowler Eldine Baptiste, who coached the Dolphins before, former South African allrounder Lance Klusener and former Cobras and Lions coach Shukri Conrad are in contention. — Cricket reporter, SportsCentral
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