Former South African white-ball captain Johan Botha on Tuesday quit as coach of Queensland and the big bash league side Brisbane heat with a year left on his contract. The 44-year-old steered Queensland to the Sheffield Shield final in his first year at the helm, but failed to win a trophy, with reports saying he was forced out.
Former Australia test captain Tim Paine, currently head coach of Australia A, is among those being touted as a replacement. Queensland Cricket chief Terry Svenson thanked Botha for his commitment. “While we haven’t achieved all of our on-field goals, Johan has made a strong contribution towards the development of the next generation of Queensland and Brisbane Heat players,” he said. “Despite this decision, Johan’s contributions to our high-performance group have been valued.”
Botha a professional seasoned coach played a leading role in the progress of cricket teams such as Multan Sultans, Karachi Kings and Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League. He was an excellent trainer and resignation from the Queensland and Brisbane professional cricket team leaves much to be desired in terms of his resignation. If Botha wishes to retire from coaching professional cricket, then the choice is his. Coaching professional sport, especially a sport like cricket can exact a lot on a professional coach’s stamina.
Meanwhile in South Africa professional cricket is on the rise.
Debutant seamer Nqobani Mokoena claimed a superb four-wicket haul, while Lhuan-dré Pretorius struck an unbeaten century as South Africa A (SA ‘A’) romped to a 10-wicket win over England Lions in the second one-day match at New Road in Worcester on Sunday. The result hands the visitors an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series, with the final fixture scheduled for Tuesday at the same venue. After stand-in captain Prenelan Subrayen won the toss and chose to bowl first, the 20-year-old Mokoena ripped through the top order, picking up the first three wickets, including a double strike in the 10th over, to leave the hosts reeling on 36/3. Proteas seamer Kwena Maphaka (1/33) provided good support from the other end, dismissing England international Jordan Cox for five when the right-hander miscued a hook shot and gloved the ball through to the wicketkeeper.
Ben Mayes and Caleb Falconer managed to rebuild the innings with a 48-run partnership before Subrayen (1/47) made the breakthrough. Mayes (26) skied one straight down the ground to Jason Smith, who made good ground from long-on to complete a fine catch.
Professional cricketers are availing themselves of their talent and skills. Mokoena, Pretorius, and Subrayen are South Africans playing for foreign cricket teams. They are progressing their skills and talent on and off the pitch. They are making names for themselves through attracting spectators. Local players compete professionally for foreign teams to enhance their skills. Of course, they also flock to “greener pastures” for the money. Cricket is about scoring wickets and runs as well as being excellent batsmen and bowlers. Subrayen and Mokoena as well as Maphaka are forces to be reckoned with on the cricketing field and will have to go against cricketers who meet their match. The Proteas are still a team of skill to be reckoned with depending on how they outwit and combat their opponents. England International had a hard time scoring though when Maphaka and the other Proteas faced them.
Players like Mayes and Falconer were able to put their skills to the test in terms of building innings while paving the way for Subrayen to score victory. Cricket is a game of wit as well as skill. Victory can only be scored by the team that can outmanoeuvre the other. The Strength of both teams is also a determining factor. Right now Proteas is on a path to glory depending on how they utilize it.
Article written by:
Yacoob Cassim
Journalist at Radio Al Ansaar
