Brad Hogg to Coach PNG
Following the planned departure of Andy Bichel as National Coach, Cricket PNG, has wasted no time in announcing a "double ? Header" that makes all sporting Codes in PNG again take notice of the professionalism and growth of Cricket.
Former Australian Player Brad Hogg has been announced as the new PNG Hebou Barramundi's National Coach and will start his role in mid-October.
"I can't wait to commence my new role and my first visit into PNG as National Coach at the end of October will be about preparing our best local players for the Annual Air Niugini International Supa Series in November. I am also very keen to find players from all over PNG to build for the future so visits into Regional areas will be on my Agenda."
The second appointment is another former Australian player Greg Campbell, who has been made the new coach of the PNG National Women's Team the "Lewas."
Campbell who has been working with Cricket PNG for some time as National Operations Manager will also act as Assistant coach to Hogg for the men's team.
"In the last 6 months I have seen so much talent in villages and provinces across PNG and I simply can't wait to put the group together and take on all comers," said Campbell. "We have a huge opportunity to play on the biggest stage in World Cricket and we will leave no stone unturned to be successful. We will be announcing a contracted squad in October and will be continuing to search the country for women who can and want to play for PNG."
Departing in his role as coach of PNG will be Andy Bichel who has had enormous success with both the Barramundi's and also the Under 19 side the Garramuts and CEO Bill Leane says he has left a fantastic legacy.
"Andy's contribution to Cricket in PNG will always be cherished and remembered and our program has shown that the natural talent that abounds in PNG can with good fundamentals, great consistency and a blend of passion and 'big game' experience, continue to grow and rival some of the best in the world," said Leane. "Andy's great gift is his intimate relationship and respect with the players."
"Andy Bichel's departure is something that has been in the planning for nearly six (6) months given his wonderful appointment to IPL (Indian Premier League) Champions Chennai SuperKings in April. In the world of sports business we simply couldn't compete," said Leane.
"Andy's new deal allows him more time at home with the family and the ability to watch his kids grow up while darting off to India two to three times a year. He will earn a figure that we can never consider and have a lifestyle that we can?t provide."