Benkenstein heading home to South Africa
HAMPSHIRE head coach Dale Benkenstein has left his post for family reasons, the club have announced.
The 42-year-old former South Africa all-rounder had been in the role for two-and-a-half seasons, but has departed “with mutual agreement and with immediate effect”.
“I have loved every minute of my time at Hampshire,” he said. “I’d like to thank everyone at the club, from the players to the coaching and office staff, and of course the supporters, for making me feel so welcome.
“It is with genuine regret that I leave at this time but the extended periods of separation from my family responsibilities in South Africa have become increasingly more difficult for me and my wife and they need to be my priority at this time.
“I wish the team every success for the remainder of the season and beyond and I would like to place on record, my sincere thanks to (director of cricket) Giles White and the management team for the honourable way in which they have handled this situation.”
Benkenstein led Hampshire to two NatWest T20 Blast Finals Days and to four-day promotion during his tenure.
His first XI coaching responsibilities will be absorbed by the other members of the professional coaching team until further notice.
White said: “We are naturally disappointed to be losing Dale at this stage of the season. We would like to thank him for all of his hard work and wish him well for the future.”