Chellen to step down as Dolphins CEO

Jesse Chellan, the Sunfoil Dolphins Chief Executive, will officially step down from his position when his five-year contract concludes in September.

He will, however, stay on for an additional three months, as per the Dolphins Board’s request.

Chellan has held the position since October 2009.

He has overseen the growth of the Dolphins and KwaZulu Natal Cricket Union (KZNCU) business and has put strong building blocks into place for the future.

With Chellan having achieved this mandate, the Dolphins Board will now seek to replace him with someone who can continue this growth path.

“I must commend Jesse for his hard work and loyalty,” said KZNCU President Fa-eez Jaffar. “One of his legacies is growing the game in non-traditional areas and harnessing this talent. The results will doubtless be seen in years to come.”

Graham Abrahams, Chairman of the Board, said: “I have enjoyed a close working relationship with Jesse and his successes are plain to see. His youth strategy in particular has begun to pay dividends and he leaves us in better shape than when he arrived.”

Explaining the Board’s decision not to extend Chellan’s contract, Abrahams said that cricket had entered a new era with particular challenges. “The Board believes that it’s time for new energy and fresh ideas to meet these challenges.”

Among Chellan’s successes were developing a strategic plan for KwaZulu-Natal cricket, concluding the Sunfoil sponsorship,  developing a winning Dolphins team, extending the path in non-traditional cricket areas (which includes an agreement with the city to build a multi-million stadium in KwaMashu) and producing and retaining excellent players.

They include national representatives like David Miller, Kyle Abbott, Cody Chetty, Khaya Zondo, Keshav Maharaj, Prenelan Subrayen, Nadine Moodley, Chloe Tryon and Trisha Chetty.

The Dolphins Board is also satisfied with their financial standing under Chellan, who enjoyed five years of unqualified audits. Revenue growth has also had an upward curve.

Chellan said he was sorry to leave, but added that he respected the Board’s decision. “I am especially proud of our youth policy, with us winning our first outright trophy in 11 years and qualifying for the Champions League, strengthening of the Dolphins management structure with Lance Klusener, Rivash Gobind, Brett Edwards, Christo Spies, Dale Benkenstein, Roger Telemachus and Morne v Wyk. Further all our best schoolboy cricketers have been retained by the Dolphins which has significantly improved our talent pool.

“Staff growth and development has been a priority and most staff have been assisted and upskilled in some form.

“We have also invested a lot more in cricket development over the past five years including at clubs, schools and in the townships. Our cricket development programme amongst black African cricketers is arguably the benchmark in South Africa and I am grateful for the privilege of impacting the lives of our children and young adults, ”Chellan added.

Issued on behalf of KZN Cricket (Pty):
Graham Abrahams
Chairman

Further enquiries:
Graham Abrahams – Chairman (KZN Cricket Pty)
082 331 6746

Faeez Jaffar – President KZNCU
083 777 2807

Jesse Chellan – CEO
082 325 0004