Gary Kirsten and Eric Simons to help CSA pick new coach

Cricket South Africa has formed a panel to recommend new names for positions in their teams coaching set up, and the 2 names in that panel are of Eric Simons and Gary Kirsten, former cricketers cum coaches of South Africa. The procedure to select the new coaching staff has begun already, and the new positions will start their duty by September.

The inclusion of a few legendary names of CSA in the panel shows that the selectors want to be very careful with what is best for the future of South African cricket. Chris Nenzia the chairman of the CSA acknowledged that there has been negativity surrounding the board’s decision to appoint a new coach for the team.

The term of present coach ends in August 

“There has been uninformed negativity in the media about the Board’s decision to start a process to recruit a coach for the Men’s Senior National Team. But the reasons for our doing this were obvious and the committee we have appointed to oversee the process will make sure that we have all bases covered,” Nenzani said.

The term of present head coach Russell Domingo will terminate in August. However, as per reports, Domingo had hinted he would contest fresh selections for the same post. He showed interest in coaching the team in the 2019 World Cup as well.

“I’ve had one opportunity to take part in the 50-over World Cup and if I’m fortunate, I’d love to have another crack at it but that’s not in my control at the moment. I know where I want to be and I’d like to be involved with South African cricket, whether it’s with the academy, the national team or the franchises,” Domingo had said.

While Simons and Kirsten are the most well-known men in the panel, the others included are Norman Arendse SC, Oupa Nkagisang and Rihan Richards. This panel of five men will interview suitable and then recommend names to CSA for the appointment.

Dr. Nkagisang is the current president of North West Cricket. He also managed South Africa A team from 2003-05. Richards and Arendse SC and are part Board of Directors at the CSA.