Cape Town: Allan Donald, who became an even more lethal quick after coming under Bob Woolmer’s wings, spoke to The Telegraph on Wednesday afternoon. The one-on-one was exclusively on Woolmer, who died in mysterious circumstances, during the 2007 World Cup.

The following are excerpts

Q When was the first time that you met Woolmer?

A In 1994, at Warwickshire. We became good friends and he understood me rather well... He had the knack of quickly bonding... Besides, he understood the mechanics of bowling, the science that’s involved.

What struck you the most?

Bob’s knowledge of the game... He’d try all sorts of things at Warwickshire... In batting, bowling, fielding. That didn’t change when he took over as South Africa’s coach... He wanted the game and the team to go forward.

That included using the one-way radio, which the ICC didn’t allow...

Yes, indeed... It got disallowed in the 1999 World Cup, when the idea was only to have communication with the field, to share information with the key players... It’s allowed in American football, so I couldn’t understand why it wasn’t OK for cricket... Bob used the laptop, but it’s the Australians who first used technology, through CricStat.

Woolmer was known to have a series of one-on-ones with his players. Your experience?

Bob would invite us to his room in the evenings and make us see (on the laptop) how we’d batted and bowled... He believed in one-on-ones, for he felt that was critical to good man management.

How would you describe Woolmer?

A good manager of men, a helluva organiser and a gentleman... Bob knew how to get the best out of his players... He’d deal with them individually... He could sense the mood swings, talk about the families, be concerned about family life... He was humble, hard-working... Bob didn’t have to demand respect, he got it.

Can you recall an instance where something which Woolmer said or did did wonders for you?

I can, yes... I’d been very low on confidence and wasn’t backing myself going into the Wanderers Test against England, in 1999... Seeing me in that state, Bob asked me to bowl wide of the crease that day... I did and England were four down for two or so and I’d taken three of those wickets. I’d begun thinking it would be the worst day of my life, but Bob changed it all and I finished with 11 in the match! Also took the MoM award... That one piece of advice turned things around completely for me... If you’re out of form, it does interfere with you mentally... After that day, I learnt to trust what I have.

Anything else?

Bob would time my run-up and, by studying the timings, would tell what I needed to do...

You’re coaching a franchise in Zimbabwe, the Mutare-based Mountaineers... Are you using any of the techniques learnt from Woolmer?

The man management bit, for sure... Even when I’m not in Zimbabwe, I stay in touch with the players... Keep myself informed, check if there are any issues.

Woolmer and Hansie Cronje got along very well...

Absolutely. I never saw them argue, as coach and captain... Whatever Hansie thought of, Bob already had in the bank! That’s what made their partnership so special. Bob was so magnificent as a man manager.

Today, how would you assess Woolmer’s contribution to South Africa?

Bob took South Africa to the top in Tests and in ODIs... Firmly put us on the world map... We were also the fittest team, for Bob and Hansie focused on fitness.

Were you surprised that Woolmer agreed to coach Pakistan?

No... Bob saw it as a challenge... He didn’t set out to rock the system, but to still bring about changes... He’d challenge himself, challenge the players... He had plans, he had structures.

The last one... Is Woolmer’s death a closed issue for you...

(Emotionally) A lot of questions are still asked... A lot of theories have been doing the rounds, but Bob’s wife, Gillian, wants it to be closed... His sons, too, want a closure... Speculation will continue, but the family’s wishes must be respected. Bob deserves to be left in peace.