ST JOHN’S, Antigua – Coach Abdiel “Abdie” Hughes said it was a bittersweet decision to leave Pigotts to take up a coaching stint with the Montserrat senior national team. Earlier this month, Hughes accepted an invitation to prepare and coach the Montserrat national team at this year’s senior Leeward Islands three-day tournament, which is tentatively set to take place in June in St Kitts.
Hughes’ departure from Pigotts comes in the midst of him guiding the team to two titles in as many Parish League competitions this season.
During this month, Pigotts beat Harney Motors Mahico by six wickets in the finals to capture the Dave Joseph limited overs championship and they also beat Carnival Gardens Strikers in the final to win the Richie Richardson one-day title last month.
Hughes said while it was a hard decision to leave for Montserrat, he is confident the senior players at Pigotts have enough experience to fill the void created by his departure and maintain their successful display for the rest of the season.
“Well, actually, I had a meeting with the team and the club and I spoke with people like Kerry Jeremy and Stephan Matthew and (Rolston) “Tris” Phillip, those senior players, and Ajarni Frederick, who is the captain, to keep the ball rolling. From all reports they have been going along that merry road,” Hughes said.
“I keep on keeping in touch and the turnout has been good. It’s been sad, to say the least, and sweet because we had a good thing going and then out of the blue I had to leave.”
Hughes, who spent four years as head coach of PIC Insurance Liberta before taking over at Pigotts last year, expressed his gratitude to president of the Liberta Sports Club Kenneth “Flipper” Benjamin for his development thus far.
“I just want to say thanks to Kenneth Benjamin who is really my tutor and has been behind me,” Hughes said.
“When I got the offer, I mentioned it to a few people along with Kenneth. Kenny was very elated and gave me the go ahead that gave me the impetus to go even further because it all hinges upon him.
“Kenny was the one who started my coaching career and he is really behind me and I just got to say kudos to him.”
