BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – When Robert Samuels played as a left-handed batsman for Jamaica and West Indies, he gave all he had. Since walking away from the ‘middle’, the passion has not diminished.Today, at age 45 – 13 years after he played his last List A match for Jamaica, Samuels is contributing in a meaningful way as a coach at the junior levels.
He has been the Jamaica Under-19 coach for six years and had aided with the development of several players – some presently at the international level. He was assistant coach of the West Indies Under-19s to the ICC Under-19 World Cup in 2004.
“Cricket has given me everything and more, and I want to give all,” said Samuels. “I love coaching and would coach anybody anywhere to help with the development of the game.”
From his days as a teenager, Samuels was identified as a future international player. He represented the historic Melbourne Cricket Club and from there into the Jamaica Under-19s and West Indies Under-19s. He played among several legends in the Jamaica first-class team and was picked for six Tests and eight ODIs in 1996 and 1997.
He was in Barbados as part of the Level III coaching course staged by the West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and the England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB), among 25 regional coaches who also participated in “Identifying and Rehabilitating Suspect Bowling Actions” — the aim to assist coaches with another aspect in their roles of developing players.
“It is really good to see the WICB and ECB are putting on this Level III coaching course for the coaches of the West Indies,” said Samuels. “I believe this is a step in the right direction as we look to strengthen game in the Caribbean. This is the way to go and I am really pleased to be part of it.”
“One of the key areas we have focussed on is ‘individuality’ and how to enhance the individual player’s game. We have looked at what’s best for the player and how to get the best out of that player.”
Full list of coaches that attended the course: Samantha Lynch, Colin Stuart, Rayon Griffith, Esuan Crandon, Julian Moore, Glen Dwarika, John Pollard, Tony Gray, Rydell Ramsarran, Robert Samuels, Cleon Smith, Junior Bennett, Gibbs Williams, Irvin Warrican, Fernix Thomas, Clifford Thomas, Steve Liburd, Pernel Watley, Courtney Walsh, Winston Benjamin, Philip Service, Dexter Toppin, Ezra Moseley, Rohan Nurse, Henderson Bryan.