Carl Sandri to coach PNG, replaces Joe Dawes

Former Italian international, high-performance coach, and Melbourne physical education teacher Carl Sandri has been announced as PNG’s new national coach and high performance manager.

The story comes only four days after the unexpected news of Joe Dawes’ resignation from the same post.

Sandri will start his appointment this week although is still waiting for clearance to arrive in Port Moresby. His role will oversee all three national squads as well as the high performance department and talent development.

According to Cricket PNG CEO, Greg Campbell, Sandri was selected after an extensive search.

‘Carl has an extensive professional coaching resume across men’s, women’s, junior representative cricket and high performance. This includes roles within Cricket Australia, Cricket Victoria, BBL and with Italy in Associate cricket where he also represented as a player. He has coached and played all over the world providing him with an indepth knowledge of what is required to be successful as an ICC Associate member,’ Campbell said.

‘Joe Dawes has done an outstanding job over the last three years and I’m sure Carl is the coach to progress this work in what is a very big year for Cricket PNG, in particular the Barramundis ICC T20 World Cup debut in India later this year. There will be a hand over period with Joe and Carl working closely with the coaching staff and players to manage a smooth transition. Unfortunately with the world the way it is at the moment Carl is not in country yet but a plan is in place and we have invested in technology to manage this situation as best we can.’

Dawes when questioned on his replacement was upbeat, ‘Carl is a ripper, he has tremendous experience, high quality references and reputation and has the advantage of already being involved within Associate cricket. He is enthusiastic, has passion for the game, is certainly qualified and will fit in well at CPNG especially with the playing group. We have discussed the transition and will work closely with each other over the coming months but I have no doubt he is going to do a great job.

‘I know he’s excited to get to PNG and get started. The players are excited too, they are professionals and will handle the transition well. The past year has thrown many challenges at the group, they continue to work hard and have stayed focused. With Carl joining the team I think the enthusiasm will lift again as the new relationships build and develop.’

Cricket PNG at this stage are unsure of the exact arrival date for the new coach as they navigate the process and protocols under the current COVID situation in PNG to obtain the necessary approvals.

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