Walter shakes Titans with his resignation
The Titans' successful coach Rob Walter, shocked the management, players and supporters of the cricket franchise this week with his sudden resignation.
Rob Walter, the most successful domestic cricket coach the past two seasons has resigned as coach at the Northerns franchise. He had been responsible for the transformation of The Unlimited Titans into a local powerhouse again.
Walter has taken up the position of head coach of Otago in New Zealand and will start his new tenure on 1 September.
Under the astute guidance of Walter, a former SAcan conditioning coach, The Unlimited Titans shared the Momentum One-Day Cup with the Cape Cobras in 2013/14.
They took sole ownership of the same limited-overs trophy in 2014/2015, beating the same foes in comprehensive fashion.
Subsequently, they achieved the coveted domestic double last season by triumphing in the Ram Slam T20 Challenge and the Sunfoil Series.
“Rob pioneered a new spirit in The Unlimited Titans cricketing family,” said Jacques Faul, chief executive officer of The Unlimited Titans.
“It was a value and person-centred approach to raise the standards of fitness and cohesion while setting goals in association with each player in order to maximise an individual’s potential. This approach has proven infinitely successful.
“He has transformed the franchise in many ways. It was evident in the way the franchise batting improved the past two seasons, as our top and middle-order produced 22 centuries in two seasons. We also improved our consistency in the bowling department.”
Many players blossomed under Walter’s watch. It would be mere folly to highlight just one or two. Yet, you have to look at what Qaasim Adams, Dean Elgar (in all formats), David Wiese, Farhaan Behardien, Chris Morris (in all formats), Tabraiz Shamsi (in T20-cricket and first-class cricket), Junior Dala, Ethy Mbhalati, Heino Kuhn, Mangaliso Mosehle, Albie Morkel (in the limited formats) and Quinton de Kock achieved with Walter at the helm.
“The Titans were explosive and attack-minded. They pursued wins but encapsulated the spirit and values of good sportsmanship. The work ethic throughout the year was five-star,” the CEO explained.
Walter leaves the Titans in a healthy position. Not only did they win the domestic double in 2015/16. There were also several barn-storming performances by junior and senior stalwarts which caught the eye.
“Rob was an exponent of developing individuals and in creating a healthy competitive squad system,” Faul said.
“It is indeed a dark day for Titans cricket to lose a coach of Rob’s stature. We want to pay tribute to his enormous contribution. We wish him and his family well when they embark on a new chapter of his cricketing odyssey in Otago, New Zealand,” Faul concluded.
Walter said his decision was prompted by the fact that he has a young family and he wish to pursue a new coaching challenge in a different environment that will help him grow as a coach.
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