High Performance Centre coach Eugene talks Kings and Volcanoes

Back home from his stint with the Saint Lucia Kings, Saint Lucia Cricket High Performance Centre head coach John Eugene is pleased with some of the performances in domestic cricket lately, and he is looking forward to the arrival of the Windward Islands Volcanoes franchise in October.

Eugene was an assistant coach for the Kings in the

. The Antigua & Barbuda Falcons won their maiden title last weekend, but the Kings, who won in 2024, did not make the playoffs. 

“I think we must be honest and say that it was a disappointing season. We didn’t really execute the plans that we set about, and obviously, it cost us a lot of crucial matches, hence we were not in the playoffs,” conceded Eugene. 

“But the experience, rubbing shoulders with some of the better players in the world, and also [head coach] Daren [Sammy] and Floyd [Reifer], who are West Indies coaches, the experience out there is valuable and it’s a lot of learning.”

Praising the High Performance Centre’s assistant coaches like Dalton Polius and Larry Edward for keeping the energy and effort levels up during his weeks-long absence, Eugene noted that a number of young players have been performing in the ongoing Saint Lucia National Cricket Association Super 50.

“I think the scores are quite commendable,” he shared. “There are a few guys who are putting up their hands, and for me, it’s just a matter of continuous development from the players. Obviously, there are great opportunities ahead for everybody to put up their hands. 

“You know, the guys really must look to capitalise on these tournaments. We have had quite a lot of cricket this year in Saint Lucia. So obviously, the talent is there; the execution, I think, just needs a little bit of tapping into. But all in all, you know, it’s good that we have had cricket for almost a whole year. So it’s good that the guys are well on their way playing.”

In the coming days, the Windward Islands Volcanoes men’s cricket franchise will make Saint Lucia its headquarters. That arrangement will run for three years in the first instance. Eugene says that the presence of the professional outfit will be a boon for local players and coaches.

“I think it’s a very good opportunity for all the players,” he said. “Obviously, there will be collaboration between the Volcanoes and the HPC, whether it be our players going to the Volcanoes or the Volcanoes coming to do part of their training. 

“I want to view it as an opportunity, or somewhat of a sort of motivation, for our players [to] step up their game, look at the programme, and see how best they can improve and how best they can go about getting better. For me, it’s a massive opportunity, and for all involved really; coaches and everybody. So, we look forward to the Volcanoes being here.”