Das Neves making a huge impact
Easterns Cricket head coach Richard Das Neves continues to prove why he is one of the best young coaches around after leading his charges to the recent Cricket South Africa Provincial T20 title.
Das Neves, a biokineticist by profession, replaced former Proteas fast bowler André Nel in the hot seat in 2017 and the former University of Johannesburg (UJ) mentor has led the Benoni side to consecutive white ball titles (One-Day and T20).
What das Neves has managed to do in a short space of time is drastically alter the perception that Easterns are a small union and cannot compete with the bigger teams, and beat them.
“It is very satisfying when a 12 to 18-month plan comes together. Fortunately, continuity in our team selection and the allocated roles in the team has paid dividends,” said das Neves. “We have created a solid squad that knows their roles and my selection committee and background staff have also been fantastic.”
He also singled out the healthy competition within the squad and the positive culture and environment created over the past two years.
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But the humble coach isn’t taking all the credit. “I would also like to praise our current acting CEO, Hilton Nortje, who has been in charge for the last six months,” das Neves pointed out.
“He has been nothing short of fantastic and doesn’t get enough credit for the work he has done behind the scenes to stabilise the union and allow the team to concentrate on what’s most important – the on-field activity.”
