Enoch Nkwe resigns as South Africa’s assistant coach

In a shocking piece of news, Enoch Nkwe assistant coach of the South Africa men’s team has stepped down from his position with immediate effect. Cricket South Africa (CSA) made this announcement on Tuesday. Nkwe has been in the role since December 2019 and has been successful in handling the team during a tough transition period.

CSA tried all possible efforts to stop Nkwe from resigning from the post, but it couldn’t do so as he wanted to focus more on his personal growth and professional development. CSA is also optimistic about Nkwe returning to the coaching setup as a stronger individual. It also thanked Nkwe for his relentless commitment to the team over the course of two years.

During his discussion with CSA, while stepping aside from the assistant coach of the team, Nkwe shed light on the culture of the team environment and raised some concerns about the same. CSA board will be taking the pointers raised by Nkwe by investigating, before giving a verdict. The CSA’s acting CEO Pholetsi Moseki has now been tasked to find a suitable replacement option for Nkwe.

CSA Board chairperson Lawson Naidoo says, “It is deeply disappointing to lose someone of Enoch’s caliber at this time, but we fully understand and respect his decision. We are comforted by the fact that he remains committed to SA cricket and hopes that he will be back serving the game that we all love. He has been and continues to be an inspiration to young cricketers and coaches.”

South Africa set to play series in Sri Lanka

This sudden announcement from Nkwe comes just before the team’s limited-overs tour of Sri Lanka, which begins on September 2. CSA have announced a squad with the likes of Quinton de Kock, David Miller, and Lungi Ngidi missing from the tour owing to rest, injury, and personal reasons respectively. South Africa will play three ODIs and as many T20Is. The six white-ball matches are ideal in the preparation for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2021.

South Africa are coming off from wins against West Indies and Ireland, while Sri Lanka managed to win a T20I series against India.