VSDCA: Saliya Ahangama, Blake Nikolic step down at Donvale
Donvale has begun its search for a captain-coach after its existing leaders stood down from their respective posts. Here’s why.
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Significant change is afoot at Subbies club Donvale, with its First XI coach and captain both stepping down.
Former Sri Lankan Test cricketer Saliya Ahangama has relinquished the senior coaching job, while skipper Blake Nikolic has opted out of the captaincy due to injury.
Ahangama, 63, has overseen the Lions’ transition into the VSDCA across the past two seasons but will shift his attention to the club’s junior development.
The club is hunting a captain-coach for 2023-24.
It finished the 2022-23 campaign in 13th spot with five wins in the East-West group.
“Saliya wishes to continue to serve the club both in its junior turf cricket development program and in our development of Donvale women’s cricket,” the club said in a statement.
“We understand this news might come as a surprise to some and we want to assure our members that we are taking all necessary steps to ensure a smooth transition, both for Saliya to move into a new role at our club, but also a handover to a playing-coach for season 2023-24.”
Nikolic was a prized recruit to the club this season, crossing from rival Box Hill.
He peeled off 246 runs, but a “major back issue” has forced the all-rounder to resign from his post following a recent MRI scan, the club said.
“That leaves his cricketing future a little uncertain in the short-term … once recovered, he will resume playing with Donvale.”
The club said the captain-coaching job was an attractive prospect.
“This is a great opportunity for a player moving out of Premier Cricket or for an experienced local player to embrace our great club culture, work with some of the best turf facilities in Victoria, play in the second-highest tier of Victorian cricket, and continue to foster relationships with our successful junior program as we continue to promote our young people in transitioning through to senior cricket.”
Applications can be forwarded to Donvale president Warren McAlpin via warren@southernearthlandscapes.com.au
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