Cobras need teeth

THE Stormers have shown some promise in this 2017 Super Rugby season with a new enterprising style that will hopefully bring the patrons back to Newlands.

Across the railway line, though, it seems one crisis follows another at the Cobras.

Before the season even started, there was the embarrassing situation that saw a group of senior players lodge formal grievances against their coach, Paul Adams. The situation became so untenable that it ultimately ended up at the CCMA before the former Proteas Test spinner was relieved of his position on the last day of 2016.

Casualties along the way were former Cobras legend Allan Dawson, who resigned from his convener of selectors post just two months into the job, and captains Omphile Ramela and Justin Ontong.

Ashwell Prince was brought in to replace Adams as the interim head coach of the Cobras. Prince played 66 Tests for South Africa, earning a reputation for a distinguished work ethic and discipline.

Along with new captain Dane Piedt the pair have worked tirelessly to restore the Cobras’ once-famed reputation. The dynamic duo brought about an immediate turnaround in the results column by lifting the Cobras into a credible third position.

But with momentum just starting to build, the team spirit has again been adversely affected in the limited-overs competition, with players being distracted by contract negotiations for next season. Two high-profile players have already opted to pursue their careers elsewhere next season.

The Cobras’ financial situation has not helped the cause either with their title sponsor currently experiencing difficulties.

The time may have arrived for the Cobras to back the likes of Jason Smith, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Khomari and Kyle Verreynne in a bid to restore the proud cricket traditions at Newlands.