Ottis Gibson most likely to become the next head coach, confirms Faf du Plessis

South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis has stated that 48-year-old West Indian Ottis Gibson is leading the race to become South Africa’s next head coach. The reason behind the same is that a panel in Cricket South Africa favours the former cricketer. Du Plessis also mentioned that he has been in touch with other cricketers to enquire about the achievements of the man. The reports of Gibson taking up the head coach role was given light by the English media last Friday.

Du Plessis’ comments now almost confirm the news that Ottis Gibson is on his way to South Africa once again. However, it is still just a recommendation and the decision is yet to be confirmed by the Cricket South Africa board. Financial agreements also need to be sorted out by the CSA with both Gibson and the ECB. Gibson is currently associated with the England Cricket Board as the bowling coach. The board is likely to ask for compensation from the CSA for the loss of their staff.

What Du Plessis had to say:

Du Plessis has been talking to players who can give him a clear idea of Ottis Gibson. Du Plessis mentioned the names of Ben Stokes and Eoin Morgan among the players he had a talk with.

“I don’t know Ottis; I’ve never worked with him,” “I actually spoke to a few of the West Indian guys because he coached there. I spoke to the English guys and there were a few different opinions, but the comments were positive. I spoke to Ben Stokes and he said he’s a really good bowling coach, but I’m not sure what he’ll be like as a head coach. Eoin Morgan said he’s good at what he does and that he’s a good guy, and that’s the most important thing.” said Faf.

Though Du Plessis told the board that he would prefer Russell Domingo to continue as the head coach, the board seems to have other intentions. The increasing reports about Gibson is a hint that CSA wants someone new to take up the job.

“The team knows Russell well and he’s established good relationships with the players. To lose that won’t be nice,” “But on the other side, it might be a good time for someone new with some fresh ideas. As long as the person in place is someone who understands South African cricket and understands our culture, it should make it easy to come in.”