Cricket PNG announced the resignation of National Coach and High Performance Manager Joe Dawes this week. After an extremely successful tenure in charge of our national teams over the last three years and the development of the high performance department it is unfortunate news for Cricket in PNG.
Dawes has led a highly successful period for Cricket PNG with the Barramundis qualifying for their inaugaural ICC T20 World Cup later this year in India, regaining One Day International status and competing in the Cricket World Cup League Two 50 over competition through to 2023.He also oversaw the Lewas improvements with them also on the verge of qualification for their own World Cup debut.
Dawes explained “after ten years travelling the world with my cricket roles it is time I spent some time at home helping my family, COVID has highlighted the need to be close and probably brought my decision forward. It was a difficult decision, I have a great relationship with all the players and staff at Cricket PNG, it will remain a life long connection with all of them and the country as a whole”
“I’m proud of what we have achieved in my time, not only with on field success, the enjoyment also comes from seeing individuals develop both players and staff, you become very close, I have no doubt they will continue to succeed. The department is in great shape we have implemented many systems and programs as a platform to success,the culture and work ethic is world class, they will continue to do PNG proud in the future.”
He went on say “the World Cup in India later this year will be difficult to watch, it is extremely disappointing not to be able to share this experience with the boys but I will watching from home, I will be sad but supporting filled with pride”
Cricket PNG CEO, Greg Campbell, “ It is always difficult to say good bye to a highly valued team member and friend, but we understand the circumstances and wish Joe well with his future endeavors. Joe’s record of success is plain to see, he leaves CPNG in great shape, his professionalism, people management skills and high performance systems are second to none, his legacy will continue. The Board and management thank Joe for his outstanding service”
“We have done an extensive search for a suitable replacement, Joe has been heavily involved in this process. We will announce the new CPNG coach early next week once all formalities are complete, Joe will continue to assist in a smooth transition over the next couple of months. We are both confident in the decision and expect continued success under the new coach”.
Some of the senior Barramundis, Captian Assad Vala, CJ Amini and Norman Vanua were asked their thoughts on Dawes departure. Assad “ Joe will be missed, he helped me in my leadership role, he brought structure, professionalism and honesty, we all became better players” Amini commented on the individual relationships Joe had with each player and the values installed and at times the “brutal honesty” delivered by Joe and his assistants as needed, he is well respected. Vanua also feels his game went to the next level under Dawes “ he taught me to toughen up, game management and leadership skills, and gave me clear roles in the team, I definitely improved as a player”
The Barras expressed that all the team and the Lewas are sad to see the coach leave but that what Dawes has installed in them and the HP staff will continue, he has helped us all and now we must look forward to continuing these efforts with our new coach.
