Big news just before Opening Day. Rumors had been swirling that Sénart was bringing in a Cuban legend as their new coach. The news broke this morning: administrative hurdles cleared, Oreste Kindelan is heading to Sénart, setting the tone for the club’s 2022 ambitions.
The Sénart club has decided to appoint Orestes Kindelan, one of the greatest players in Cuban baseball history, as their Division 1 team’s new manager. After managing Santiago and serving as Cuba’s hitting coach in the World Baseball Classic, the ‘big drum major’ is now the new boss of the Templiers’ roster.
This is another major milestone in the Templiers’ history. After Rolando Merino, who won the French Championship and Challenge double in 2014, another Cuban baseball legend will take the reins of the D1 team.
Kindelan, who succeeds Matthieu Brelle-Andrade, Sénart’s manager over the past three seasons, answered our questions just days before donning the Templiers’ jersey for the first time.
How are you feeling just days before discovering France and meeting the players?
I feel happy and grateful for the club’s invitation, and I hope we’ll become a winning family.
What made you decide to join the Templiers and take on this new challenge?
First of all, I want to share my experience with European baseball and also learn what these young players can teach me.
What are your goals for next season with the team?
My main goal is to fight tooth and nail for titles. I want the club to be proud of its team and happy they gave me the opportunity to lead them.
Bio
Orestes Kindelan Olivares
Born November 1, 1964 in Palma Soriano (Cuba)
2-time Olympic champion
6-time World champion
4-time Pan American champion
Cuban baseball Hall of Famer
Cuban baseball record holder for home runs and RBIs
