|
29/01/2008 12:53
Arthur Turner
What has happened to the traditional 'Big 3' franchises/provinces in South African cricket: The Cape Cobras/Western Province, the Highveld Lions/Transvaal and the Dolphins/Natal?
In years gone by it was believed that South African cricket could only be strong if these three provinces were strong. Could this possibly be the reason why the Proteas performances have declined in recent years against the top nations of the world, especially Australia?
The worst performing franchise of the 'Big 3' are the Lions. The Lions/Transvaal have never recovered from the halcyon days of the "Mean Machine".
This franchise with its rich tradition and positioning with regards to the South African economy and population density should be the powerhouse of South African cricket. There is no excuse for their lack of performance with all the resources at their disposal.
Inconsistent
The Dolphins who along with Western Province supplied the bulk of the successful South African team during the 1990s are a mere shadow of the great Natal teams of the past. It is alarming to see how far the performances of the Dolphins team have been allowed to slip. The situation needs to be urgently rectified as South African cricket needs a strong Dolphins team.
The Cobras on paper are a strong team, to my mind they have the best squad in domestic cricket. However, they have been too inconsistent in recent years and not done themselves justice. The Western Province teams of old were capable of producing the bulk of the national players and still winning domestic trophies. This squad has the same potential but something is missing.
If South African cricket is to remain world-class and grow, these three franchises with their rich traditions and resources need to play a pivotal role.
Instrumental
The Eagles have easily won the SuperSport Series trophy for the third time in their history. They have also shared the trophy with the Dolphins on one occasion.
Since the inception of franchise cricket in 2004, the Eagles have now won six of the 11 domestic trophies.
There are two people that have been instrumental in turning one of the smallest franchises in the country into the dominant domestic force - namely CEO Johan van Heerden and coach Corrie van Zyl.
Both are true sons of the Free State soil and have a great passion for their province. They both were members of the great Free State teams of the 1980s and 1990s that started the Free State renaissance.
Great passion
Van Heerden is a skilled administrator in all aspects of business related to cricket; from the commercial aspects to the marketing of the game. Like in his playing days he is a true all-rounder in the management of the game.
Van Zyl is the driving force behind the success of the Eagles team. He played the game for Free State and South Africa with great passion and coaches the Eagles in a similar manner. Van Zyl is a highly competent and skilled coach that is driven by success. He is professional in the true sense of the word and has a very high work ethic.
There is little doubt that he is the best coach at franchise level and is also vastly experienced. He also has international experience having been a successful assistant coach to the late Bob Woolmer.
Arthur is a former cricket administrator.
Send Arthur your thoughts
Disclaimer: Sport24 encourages freedom of speech and the expression of diverse views. The views of columnists published on Sport24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Sport24.
|
COMMENTS