‘Privilege' to coach Volts
Former coach Ashley Noffke says it was a "privilege" to coach the Volts for a season, and he leaves with nothing but fond memories.
Noffke left his post halfway through a two-year deal to pursue an international coaching opportunity with Pakistan.
The Australian has since been relatively quiet but said in a tribute on LinkedIn that he was grateful for his time with Otago.
"I want to make public that while I wasn't looking for another opportunity, one came my way," Noffke wrote.
"While I'm grateful for what lies ahead, I'm equally saddened to be leaving Otago Cricket with time still left on my contract; something that I had never planned to do.
"I was excited about the year we were all building toward together and I am confident that the team and organisation are in great hands moving forward."
Noffke said he had the "deepest gratitude" for everyone at the Otago Cricket Association.
He directed a message of thanks to the players he worked with for a single summer.
"It's been incredibly rewarding to see how hard each of you has worked this past season, not only on your individual skills but in coming together around a shared purpose.
"Your commitment, resilience and hunger to improve have driven us forward and delivered some fantastic wins and achievements across the season.
"It was also brilliant to see so many players make their debut this year ... adding an exciting dimension to the team and the future of Otago Cricket.
"There's so much talent here in Otago."
He made special mention of captain Luke Georgeson and vice-captain Max Chu.
Noffke said the OCA staff had displayed "unwavering passion and commitment" to the cause.
He highlighted the support of OCA high performance general manager Steve Martin.
"The quiet, behind-the-scenes actions of people like Steve and his wife Wendy, and the many players and staff who went out of their way to welcome and support us — from setting up our house (even putting the furniture together), turning on the heating in winter and greeting us with a friendly smile — were small gestures that meant more than they'll ever know.
"While I lived fulltime in New Zealand, my family travelled between Australia and New Zealand to be with me.
"It wasn't always easy, but we were committed to making it work, and the support and warmth we received from Otago Cricket made all the difference.
"Otago is truly a family-focused organisation."
Former Black Caps coach Gary Stead is overseeing the Volts in an interim role while the OCA works on making a permanent appointment.
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