South Africa cricket faces a huge blow as Rob Walter leaves for New Zealand, making him the third official to do so in a month. He signed a couching deal with Otago that is meant to run for two years. Otago Volts appointed him the new head coach for the next two domestic cricket seasons, replacing Nathan King. Rob Walters led the Titans to victory since he was signed in 2013. The titans won three trophies in four seasons. Having been named the most successful coach, Rob Walters had been set to take the side A to Australia but he did not believe it would materialize. This would have seen him assigned a national job.
It is a sad state for South Africa cricket as more officials leave for abroad to explore better deals. The entire franchise circuit could be paralyzed by the exit of most of these officials especially coaches and employee in the management and administration. It would be difficult to function with the very backbone of the entire structure.
South Africa cricket players are also making their moves under water as they explore better options abroad. Former players and senior officials have sourced that these players, among them been a few contracted internationals, are seriously considering and weighing their options abroad. This could be a major bluster to the domestic game.
A former cricket player attributes 80% of the reason for players to exit the scene to money. He said that South Africa lacks the amounts to pay it’s players sums they would so comfortably be paid abroad. Most players cannot bear the stress and pressure thus opt out for abroad.
The decision to take on dynamic transformation in South Africa has built up pressure among players. Most worry as to whether they will continue to be selected and their security in the franchise. Morne Morkel, after been left out of the 2016 T20 squad considered retiring but was convinced to stay. It however hasn’t been the same since as he plays less and less games. Out of the six games at the Caribbean triangular series, he only played two games. Another player, Dale Steyn, whom he had helped sign at the county faced the same challenge. He missed the West Indies tour as he was said to be rested but then the South Africa’s select committee had him play at the NatWest t20 Blast after giving him an NOC. The two players are considering their exit subject to the treatment they are facing. Their interest more particularly is in the Australia Big Bash League scheduled at the end of the year.
More players feel the same and continue to fish for opportunities abroad. The structure of the south Africa cricket is failing at managing not only their top players but also their support team and employees. It may not accommodate everyone in their capacity hence building up pressure. This may be consequential in the next major games both domestic and international.
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