Pradeep Nishantha appointed head coach

Priyan de Silva - Matara Sports Corr

Pradeep Nishantha. Picture by Priyan de Silva Matara Sports Corr

29 year old Liyanarachchige Don Pradeep Nishantha will take on the duties of senior cricket coach at Isipathana College. Pradeep an old boy of Lumbini College Colombo, reputed for his slow right arm medium pace bowling made his first class debut in December 2005 representing Sarcens sports club. He has captured 102 first class wickets with best bowling figures of 6/53 against BRC. He represented Moors sports club in 2011 before being forced to quit first class cricket due to a leg injury.

Pradeep who's first love is cricket decided to pursue a career as a cricket coach by taking up the appointment of junior cricket coach at his alma mater before being appointed assistant coach at CCC. While at CCC that his talents caught the eye of Ruchira Palliyaguru who was quick to whisk him away to Matara as senior cricket coach of St Servatius College for the 2012 / 2013 cricket season.

As new entrants to the division one cricket arena the St Servatius team performed creditably that season under the guidance of coach Pradeep. It would be unfair if it is not mentioned that Pradeep a strict disciplinarian, saw that the traditions of the game were upheld at all times took the standard of cricket at St Servatius to a new height. He went out of his way to assist those players and coaches

from other schools who sought his advice and ever willing to heed others views.

Pradeep's decision to take up the more lucrative appointment with Isipathana is a great loss to St Servatius College and cricket in Matara.