Former NC Heat coach Mark Charlton (left) and incoming head coach Deon Carolus during training. File Picture: Neville Motlhabakwe
As the newly-appointed interim head coach, Deon Carolus expressed his gratitude to the CEO and president for the opportunity to lead the team.
Carolus, who has been with the NC Heat since the restructuring period under Mark Charlton, brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the team’s dynamics.
“It’s an honour to be appointed head coach of the NC Heat. I am truly grateful for this opportunity to lead such a talented and dedicated group of players. I want to express my gratitude to the President, Gibson Molale, and the CEO, Thapelo January, for entrusting me with this role.
“I am excited to work with the players we have signed as we continue building a team that not only competes but thrives on and off the field. Cricket is a team sport, and I believe in the power of unity, hard work, and determination.
“My goal is to foster a positive and supportive environment where each player can grow, excel, and contribute to our collective success,” he said.
Carolus said that he is eager to start this journey as Head Coach of NCC and will give it his best to make it a successful journey and to make the people of the Northern Cape proud of their team, while thanking Charlton for everything he did for the team and wishing him well with tenure with the Warriors, Carolus also reached out to the rest of the staff.
“I would also like to thank Mbulelo Bosman for his role as manager for the day-to-day duties in taking care of our players,” Carolus said. “I am eager to get started and to bring our best to every game.
“Together, we will strive to achieve our goals and make the Northern Cape Heat a force to be reckoned with,” he added.
Carolus, who has a long history with cricket, having played for the Griquas for eight years, is no stranger to the pressures of the game. His experience as part of the Northern Cape Heat’s coaching staff, coupled with his close relationship with Charlton, positions him well to take on the challenges that lie ahead.
“I have learnt so much from him (Charlton),” Carolus told the DFA. “There are exciting times ahead, and everybody strives to go to division one, and therefore we are going to give it our utmost best.
“I think we have put together a brilliant group of cricketers, so hopefully we can achieve that goal that we set out in year one,” Carolus added.
Speaking about the current talent within the team, Carolus highlighted several key players who he believes will play a crucial role in the team’s success.
“Stefan Tait bowls at the speed of light. Hardus Viljoen played for South Africa. Ronan Herrmann played for the Joburg Super Kings, and is also in the SA Under-20 set-up, and he recently went to the West Indies as part of the draft for the Caribbean Premier League.
“Cole Abrahams from the Lions has also joined us, as well as Tian Koekemoer from the Tuskers and Ruan Haasbroek, the previous captain of Limpopo. Litheko Modiri is also now a permanent player for the Heat.
“We have exciting cricketers and a bunch of athletes eager to perform,” Carolus concluded.
The departure of Mark Charlton marks the end of an era for the Northern Cape Heat, but it also signals the beginning of a new chapter.
The newly-appointed interim coaching staff faces the daunting task of building on the successes of the past while forging their own path forward, and while the challenges are significant, with the talent and dedication that exists within the team, there is every reason to believe that the Northern Cape Heat will continue to thrive.
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