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Johannesburg - Cricket South Africa and the Proteas have expressed shock and
dismay at the tragic death of former South African coach, Bob Woolmer, at the
weekend.
CSA CEO, Gerald Majola, said in a statement issued on Monday: “Cricket
South Africa and the Proteas are devastated by the tragic death of Bob Woolmer.
“He was an innovative and passionate student of the game and his ideas and
methods had a big impact on South African Cricket.
“Bob coached many of the best players to represent the Proteas including
Allan Donald, Shaun Pollock and Jonty Rhodes.
“Cricket South Africa extends its heartfelt condolences to Bob’s wife,
Gill and his family.”
According to a CSA media release, the news came exactly a week after the
Pakistan coach had spent two days in the same hotel with some of the players who
had been playing under him in the Proteas team while he was coach.
Proteas team manager, Goolam Rajah, said: “Bob was special. I’ve lost a
friend. We worked together for four and a half years.
“He made me raise my game as a member of the management team of the Proteas.
He was thorough and professional.
“He had great integrity and presence. Bob managed to get the team to buy
into many of his brilliant ideas both on and off the field.
“I believe that when the team was at its best, Bob was part of the system.
“We’d just joked the other day at the opening ceremony, with me teasing
him, about the number of national colours he has worn.
“Let’s pray that wherever he is now, he is at peace.”
Proteas coach, Mickey Arthur, said: “Bob Woolmer was my mentor. As a young
international coach I often bounced ideas off him.
“He was always a step ahead of every situation and was meticulous in his
planning and execution. It’s a huge tragedy.”
Current Proteas squad members, Shaun Pollock and fielding coach Jonty Rhodes,
represented South Africa when Bob was coach of the country.
Shaun Pollock said: “My prayers and thoughts are with Gill and the boys.
Bob was a friend and a fantastic coach who had a huge impact on my career.
“He was passionate about the game and was always looking for new ideas and
possible innovations to improve individuals and teams.
“He still had so much to offer the world of cricket and he will be sorely
missed. I was very fortunate to have played under him for South Africa and
Warwickshire.
“He did a great job for SA cricket while he was involved.”
Upon hearing the news, Proteas fielding coach, Jonty Rhodes, said: “Bob
Woolmer had such a massive influence on my cricket career, and I know that there
are countless cricketers around the globe who are just as devastated as I am by
his sudden passing.
Bob literally gave his life for the game he loved so dearly, and while he had
already made such an immense contribution to cricket, his premature death has
deprived the game of someone who still had so much to offer the cricketing
community.
My thoughts and prayers are with Gill and the family.”
The Proteas will wear black armbands and have a moment of silence in memory
and mourning for Bob Woolmer during their next game against Scotland.
Bob Woolmer’s statistics as South African coach:
Tests:
Played: 44, Won: 21, Lost: 9, Drawn: 14, Percentage won: 47.72
ODI:
Played: 117, Won: 83, Lost: 30, Tied: 1, NR: 3, Percentage won: 72.80
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