Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA) has officially bid farewell to the World Sports Betting (WSB) Western Province Senior Men’s head coach, Salieg Nackerdien.

Here is our list of potential candidates who could take over the Western Province Coaching role after the departure of Salieg Nackerdien.

Western Province cricket finds itself at a crossroads. With Salieg Nackerdien’s tenure as head coach coming to an end, the team needs a new leader – one who can nurture a talented young core and guide them toward domestic success.

The side boasts a growing list of exciting young prospects, many of whom are knocking on the door of regular senior franchise cricket. They also have quite a few players who have become regulars in the national side.

As these players mature, Western Province must appoint a coach who not only understands their journey but can shape them into future champions. Continuity, experience in youth development, and a strong rapport with players are essential qualities in the next appointment.

Here are potential candidates who tick many of those boxes:

Qasim Adams

Currently the batting coach at Western Province, he has worked two years as an assistant coach to Salieg Nackerdien.

He has a good understanding of the players in the Western Province set-up and the young players in the pipeline, having won the Khaya Majola Week with the U19 WP team. He also has experience as a strength and conditioning coach, which emphasises his drive to maintain and improve fitness standards in a team environment.

Adams’ background as a former first-class cricketer brings valuable on-field experience and credibility to his coaching. Having competed at a high level, he understands the pressures and demands players face, which allows him to connect with and mentor them more effectively.

Justin Kemp

A former international all-rounder and one of Western Province’s former players, Justin Kemp, assisted Salieg Nagerdien for the 2024/25 season.

Kemp has been involved in mentorship roles across provincial structures and has stayed close to the game through coaching, development, and commentary work.

While Kemp hasn’t yet taken on a head coach role at this level, his reputation, cricketing intellect, and presence in the local setup could count in his favour. Having already worked with the current crop of Western Province players as an assistant coach, this could work in his favour.

JP Duminy

JP Duminy is another high-profile name linked with coaching ambitions. Since retiring from professional cricket, Duminy has already started his journey in the coaching space, having worked with the Lions, the Paarl Royals in the SA20, and with the Proteas as a batting consultant.

Duminy’s modern outlook, calm leadership style, and firsthand experience in high-pressure environments could help him to mentor a youthful squad. He’s worked with several of the current WP players through SA20 and franchise cricket and would bring a professional edge to the environment. His international experience as a player could also inspire the next generation of WP stars.

Baakier Abrahams

Baakier Abrahams has already made a name for himself in youth and development cricket. Having previously worked with South Africa’s U19 side and being heavily involved in the Eastern Cape pipeline, Abrahams has a track record of identifying and nurturing young talent. This was particularly clear during his time as an assistant coach at the Warriors.

His familiarity with the structures, players, and unique challenges in domestic cricket gives him a strong advantage. Abrahams understands the pressure young players face when transitioning into senior cricket and knows how to get the best out of them. If WP are looking for continuity and long-term development, Abrahams could be the ideal choice. He has also worked as a Head Coach at South Western Districts and assistant coach of Sunrisers Eastern Cape. Currently, he is the batting coach of the Proteas Women.

His growing résumé, combined with his developmental expertise and senior-level experience, makes him one of the most well-rounded and forward-thinking coaches in the local game.

Ezra Poole

Ezra Poole is a respected figure in the Western Cape cricket community, known for building his coaching career around grassroots development and high-performance pathways. With a solid foundation in school and club cricket, along with experience coaching provincial youth teams, Poole has earned a reputation for his hands-on, player-focused approach.

Over the years, he has played a key role in the development of several rising stars now pushing into senior ranks. His deep understanding of their strengths and personalities positions him as a potential source of stability and continuity.

Poole’s coaching résumé includes stints with the Cape Cobras, Paarl Rocks, and Cape Town Blitz during the Mzansi Super League. He also made a significant impact in university cricket, guiding the University of the Western Cape to a league championship and serving as Head Coach of the Victorians at the University of Stellenbosch.

Currently, Poole is an assistant coach at Boland. Beyond his coaching duties, he has contributed to talent identification through previous roles on selection panels, further demonstrating his keen eye for future stars. He also played a huge role as a wicket-keeper consultant at various levels in the Women’s and Men’s games.

Poole stands out as a credible and valuable coaching option to take Western Province into a new era.

Roger Telemachus

Roger Telemachus, a former Proteas fast bowler known for his explosive pace and ability to swing the ball, has transitioned into coaching with a focus on grassroots and provincial development.

After retiring from professional cricket, Telemachus took on coaching roles in various development programs and has been particularly active within the Western Cape cricket scene. He has worked with school and club teams and has served as a bowling consultant and assistant coach in domestic structures, helping to nurture young talent.

Telemachus is highly regarded for his ability to mentor fast bowlers and instill discipline and tactical awareness in young cricketers, making him a valuable figure in any developmental project.

His connection with the Western Province region and experience working with the U19 players make him a viable candidate for the head coaching role.