Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA) has officially bid farewell to Western Province Senior Men’s head coach, Salieg Nackerdien.
Nackerdien departs Western Province at the conclusion of the 2024/2025 domestic season as he takes up an exciting new opportunity as head coach of the Tanzanian national team.
‘Sincere gratitude’
WPCA expressed its sincere gratitude to Salieg for his four years at the helm of Western Province.
During his tenure, he led the team to significant achievements, including appearances in three domestic finals over two consecutive seasons.
These highlights include winning the 2023/24 CSA One Day Cup, finishing as runners’ up in the 2023/24 CSA 4-Day Series, and reaching the final of the 2022/23 One Day Cup.
Under Salieg’s guidance, the team ended the 2023/24 season with a win percentage of 57% – a marked improvement on previous years.
His leadership also coincided with a surge in national recognition of players, with eight current squad members receiving national call-ups, including five international debuts.
Notably, left-arm fast bowler Nandre Burger featured in all three formats during the India inbound tour in 2024.
David Bedingham, Tony De Zorzi and Eddie Moore earned maiden Test caps, while Mihlali Mpongwana was drafted into the ODI and T20 squads.
In addition, Kyle Verreynne, Beuran Hendricks and Dane Paterson made returns to the national set-up across various formats.
Nackerdien’s journey with WP Cricket comes full circle.
He was first involved in 2007/08 with the Cape Cobras as assistant coach, before taking up the head coach role at the then semi-professional Western Provine team between 2009 and 2011.
In 2012, he guided the side to silverware, winning both the 3-Day and One Day Provincial trophies – with future stalwarts Yaseen Vallie, Dane Paterson and Beuran Hendricks – all now senior members of the current Western Province squad.
‘Get the best out of his team’
WPCA CEO Corrie van Zyl said: “Salieg has the special touch as a head coach to get the best out of his team by creating an environment where players feel safe and in which they can thrive.
“This is a skill that not all coaches have.
“WP Cricket understands and supports Salieg’s decision to take up this new role in Tanzania.
“Family is important to Salieg and this position as the head coach of the Tanzanian national team speaks to both his coaching ambitions and his desire to be with his family.
“Replacing Salieg will not be easy as his skill in managing people is rare.
“We wish Salieg and his family all the best in this new and exciting chapter in their lives.”
An emotional Nackerdien shared: “I want to say thank you to each and everyone who has supported us during the seasons and during the ups and downs over the years.
“In professional cricket you are going to win some and lose some – I want to say thank you to the supporters, the media, the Board, the CEO, our staff, and our ground staff.
“Everybody I worked with in the past couple of seasons was fantastic.
“It’s sad to leave the faithful Newlands ground where I have spent the last 15 years as well.
“I really appreciate the opportunity WPCA afforded me in 2021 to make a difference in this province and I am looking forward to the new journey as well.”
WPCA wished Salieg the very best in his future endeavours.
WP Cricket will advertise the head coach position in due course and will announce the new appointment once a suitable candidate has been identified.
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