Golden opportunity lures JP Triegaardt away from NC Cricket
IT’S A SAD parting of the ways for local cricket due to the fact that JP Triegaardt, who has been Northern Cape Cricket’s (NCC) head coach since the summer of 2014/15, has decided to take over the reins at the Northerns Cricket Union.
Triegaardt, a native of Kimberley, has been appointed to lead the Northerns amateur side on a two-year deal.
In his final year as coach of the NC provincial team, he guided his side to the Africa T20 Cup final.
During his playing career, as a wicketkeeper batsman, Triegaardt spent four years at Griqualand West before finishing his first-class career with a season at the VKB Knights in 2012/13.
“I’m very excited and can’t wait to be part of such a successful Union,” said Triegaardt. “I am looking forward to the opportunity of working with the younger players and influencing their development into franchise players.”
Triegaardt, however, also told the DFA that this decision did not come easy.
“This was one of the hardest decisions I have had to make in my life after being with NC Cricket for 22 years as a player and a coach. I am truly grateful for each and everyone on the NC Cricket board and staff that played a role in my life. If it was not for each and every one of them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
He also thanked his former colleagues for the opportunities they gave him and the valued lessons they taught him.
Triegaardt added that though he did not want to single anyone out, he wanted to thank the CEO of NC Cricket, Eugene Jacobs, for allowing him to live his passion and for developing him.
Jacobs, in turn, added his own sentiments.
“It’s with a fair amount of sadness that NC Cricket announces that JP Triegaardt has taken up a position with Northerns Cricket Union … His passion for the game and his high work ethic will be sorely missed.”
Northerns Cricket operations manager Johan Muller said: “JP will be in charge of a fairly mature team, with a good blend between experience and young talent. With his committed and hardworking nature he will fit into our culture with ease. JP will have a strong support base to rely on.”
Member of the NC Cricket board, Chris Gordon wished Triegaardt well.
“This is big loss for NC Cricket, but a good move for him in terms of growth,” Gordon said.
The chairman of NC Cricket, Rihan Richards also sang the praises of their former coach.
“On behalf of all at Northern Cape Cricket, we wish to thank JP Triegaardt for the contribution he has made to our system in his stay at Northern Cape Cricket. We wish him all the best with his future endeavours.
“We are confident that he will excel in his new position as he possesses all the attributes to reach the top in coaching.”