13 Jan 2011

New Fiji Cricket boss takes the reins

12:45 pm on 13 January 2011

The new head of Fiji Cricket believes a background in back-blocks of Africa have prepared him well for the task of moving the sport forward in Fiji.

Jon Symonds has taken over as General Manager of Cricket Fiji from Martin Shaw, who left the role in November.

The South African-born Symonds most recently worked in the financial sector in the United Kingdom but says the desire for a career change and a passion for cricket have led him to Suva.

He says previous coaching experiences in him homeland have given him a good grasp of what's required in his new role.

"Having been in South Africa, working with under-privileged kids, and seeing what cricket can do to communities in South Africa I thought that something similar could be done in Fiji. Not necessarily understanding the history of Fijian cricket but I like the concept of, if you like, the social responsibility side of the job which is coming over into a third-world country and helping to develop and grow a sport that I'm passionate about."

Jon Symonds says he's already attended an Under 19 training session and was particularly impressed by the young bowling stocks coming through the ranks.