Newly-appointed interim Warriors coach Robin Peterson is looking to build a team moulded by his personal ethos of hard work, humility and putting the team first, writes Ongama Gcwabe.
There’s been a lot of changes at the Warriors in the last couple of years.
More recently the franchise announced that Robin Peterson would take over from Rivash Gobind who has joined newly-appointed head coach of Afghanistan Lance Klusener’s management and coaching structure.
Gobind took over from Malibongwe Maketa at the Warriors in 2017, when the latter was called up for national duty under former Proteas coach, Ottis Gibson.
Now, with Gobind’s departure, the Eastern Cape franchise announced that Peterson would be the interim coach for the 2019/20 season.
He has vast experience as both a player and a coach, which makes him certainly qualified for the job.
In an exclusive interview with Cricket Fanatics Magazine, Peterson explained how he will approach his new role.
“I don’t have a philosophy per se, but I just believe in a team that works hard, has humility and that always puts the team’s goals first whatever they may be,” said Peterson.
“You will always enjoy achieving together more than personal performances.”
From playing street cricket against Shafiek Abrahams, Ashwell Prince and Russell Domingo, to achieving his dreams of representing his country; the man from Gelvandale has established a career as a coach in addition to his illustrious playing career.
His coaching career includes being a technical consultant for the SA A and SA U19 side since 2017.
He has also coached the Barbados Tridents, St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the Caribbean Premier League the Northern Warriors in the T10 League.
Talking about his new venture, Peterson revealed what the opportunity means to him.
“It’s a big privilege to be given the opportunity to guide the Warriors this season especially (with them) being the local team from where I grew up,” he continued.
“Having played there I have an understanding of how people think and I know most of the players.
“It’s a huge thrill and I’m looking forward to helping the players and the team achieve their goals.”
Peterson takes over after three rounds of matches, with the Warriors sitting third on the 4-Day Franchise Series log.
They managed one close victory against the Lions in East London in the second round of fixtures, that was after they lost their season opener in Kimberly against the Knights.
Then they drew their third game against the Titans at St. Georges Cricket Stadium.
“I hope I can get the players to embrace having an open mind in terms of thinking about the game,” said Paterson.
“I hope we can achieve something as a collective team and keep setting some challenging goals for the team and for individuals to hopefully achieve.”
Peterson’s first assignment will be against his former team the Cape Cobras who will host the Warriors in the fourth round of fixtures at Newlands in Cape Town starting on Monday 28 October 2019.
Photo: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix
