Russell Domingo set to exit as Proteas coach, hunt for new coach begins

Team South Africa coach Russell Domingo is set to make an exit from his position after the conclusion of the Test series against England. He has opted not to reapply for the post and that has left a big void to fill for the Cricket South Africa. As per the reports in Cricbuzz, there are five individuals who are emerging out to be the top contenders for the post of the new coach.

These candidates include, franchise coaches Geoffrey Toyana and Malibongwe Maketa, former Titans coaches Rob Walter and Richard Pybus, as well as current South Africa A coach Shukri Conrad, and former Ireland and West Indies coach Phil Simmons. The CSA has appointed a team of five members for electing the new head coach. This includes three board members and two former South African coach.

The board members responsible for doing the task of interviewing the candidates are Norman Arendse, Rihan Richards, and Oupa Nkagisang. Among the former coaches in the panel, there are Gary Kirtsen and Eric Simons. Apparently, the names of Richard Pybus and Phil Simmons seem to be the forerunners for the post of the new coach.

The agenda in mind would definitely be the bigger picture for the panel members. The World Cup 2019 preparations have to begin in due time and hence the new coach must enjoy the support of the players. Interestingly, there have been reports of the new coach being someone with colored skin. Also, with AB de Villiers, one of the senior members of the team, recently saying that his future would depend on the new coach of the team, the onus is surely high on the new appointment.

A look at the contenders

Among the five contenders for replacing Russell Domingo at the moment, Richard Pybus is the most experienced. He had coached Pakistan to the semi-finals of the 1999 World Cup. Also, it was under him that Dale Steyn and Faf du Plessis flourished under his coaching in domestic circuit. Walter, the other contender, has four trophies to his name with the Titans in the domestic circuit.

Toyana has had decent success as the coach of the Lions and has seen the emergence of Temba Bavuma and Kagiso Rabada under him. He has won 4 titles too. Maketa has also won several titles for the Northerns and has worked very closely with Pybus. Conrad has also been in charge of the Lions and then won three trophies for the Cobras.