Cricket PNG (CPNG) has renewed the contract of Hebou PNG Barramundis Head Coach, Dipak Patel’s contract for another year.
The announcement was made by CPNG Chief Executive Officer, Greg Campbell.
“Cricket PNG is fortunate to have Coach Patel on board with us as Head Coach...he is our longest serving coach and has done a tremendous job in shaping our cricket players into professional athletes both on and off field,” said Campbell.
“His experience and coaching method is invaluable to our sporting code’s strive for excellence,” said Campbell.
The former New Zealand cricket player made his decision to renew his contract last week.
“As a coach I still have unfinished business especially with the Barramundis following our disappointment in missing out for the World T20 Qualifiers.
“However qualifying for a World Cup would be on the list and I’ve been very impressed with the huge progress made,” said Patel.
A coaching style described as “democratic”, Patel began his tenure as Head Coach in 2014 with the task of shaping emerging amateur players to fully fledged professional athletes.
“I believe in sharing responsibilities with the whole group and empowering the players and coaches.
“The expectations at all times at trainings and practices are to become the best in the world as individuals and as a team.
“I explain to my support staff and players what is required and the objectives to achieve to become the ‘Best in the World’ and ultimately base my decisions on the player’s suggestions and needs. This allows me to define what to do and how to do it,” said Patel.
Patel added that he has more expectations in his long term vision for Cricket PNG.
“There are a number of areas that the Hebou Barramundis have excelled in, the players are a lot more professional on and off the field and we’ve increased our winning ratio consistently in all forms of the game which has been my main objective.
The Barra’s individual records are always improving particularly in the I-Cup (4 Day Internationals),”
“I’m always looking for challenges and to become a better coach than what I am at present both on and off the field. My philosophy is to always put higher expectations on myself than what I expect from the players,” said Patel.