Central Districts men’s cricket coach Rob Walter says quitting the Stags for a South Africa Proteas coaching job is “a bittersweet time for me’’.
Walter has been confirmed as the Proteas’ ODI and T20 coach while Shukri Conrad becomes the new test coach as the replacements for Mark Boucher, who oversaw all three formats.
South Africa’s strength and conditioning and fielding coach between 2009 and 2013, Walter has spent seven seasons in New Zealand after winning three trophies in as many seasons when in charge of the Titans franchise in the republic.
He coached the Otago Volts from 2016 to 2021 before moving to Central Districts in April 2021.
READ MORE:
* White Ferns contenders failing to grasp chances of T20 World Cup selection
* Manawatū end two-day season on a high but fall just short of Hawke Cup challenge
* Broadcaster Ian Smith departs Sky Sport: ‘It was mutual that we part ways’
* ‘We need to ban this’: Mankad dismissal at Under-19 T20 World Cup sparks outrage
Walter, who leave CD after the Ford Trophy campaign, said he had “loved my time with the Stags”.
“The staff and players have been awesome to work with and have treated myself and my family amazingly well.
“However, on the other side is an opportunity to work on the international stage which in many ways is a dream come true for me.
"I will miss the people of the CD region, but I hope that our paths will cross again in the future. And we will save our goodbyes for later – for now, we have three trophies to win.”
CD are well-placed in all three formats under Walter’s guidance.
Last year Walter was appointed by NZC to lead the New Zealand A team on its preseason tour of India.
He held assistant coach roles with Indian Premier League sides the Pune Warriors and Delhi Daredevils prior to moving to New Zealand.
Central Districts Cricket Association chief executive Lance Hamilton said Walter would be missed.
“Rob has had a huge impact on both players and staff alike since arriving from Otago before the start of last season.
“He is going to be sorely missed by both groups. In saying this, we’re really pleased to see that the skill set Rob brings on a daily basis has been recognised at international level, and are really excited to see what the future holds for him and his family with this next adventure.”
CDCA will appoint an interim head coach in the coming weeks to guide the Stags through their four remaining first-class Plunket Shield matches at the end of this season, before putting out a call for applicants during the 2023 off-season for a new Central Stags head coach.
© 2023 Stuff Limited
