Ottis ‘open’ to staying with Proteas
CSA confirm they've eased on his performance criteria for an extension too.
Proteas coach, Ottis Gibson during the South African national men’s cricket team training session and press conference at PPC Newlands on March 18, 2019 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)
Ottis Gibson is “open to continuing” as Proteas coach after the World Cup, but the team’s performance at that showpiece tournament is still central to whether Cricket South Africa offer the West Indian another contract, chief executive Thabang Moroe said.
It has been widely reported that Gibson, who is also being linked to the England head coach job, would only be offered another contract by CSA if South Africa win the World Cup in July, but Moroe said the board have now decided that reaching the final would be sufficient.
“I’ve sat down quite a few times with Ottis to discuss his contract, but we have to wait for the board because they appoint the coach. He was hired to win the World Cup, but the board have now said qualifying for the final is enough. He has said he is open to continue with us, but obviously he would have to look at the new contract and the terms, and the board still has to evaluate his performance,” Moroe said.
The CEO said that from a personal point of view, Gibson has been “a breath of fresh air for South African cricket”.
“I’m very happy with his results and how he has handled himself as coach. He has brought changes to our cricket both internationally and domestically,” Moroe added.
Gibson, who has traded the Caribbean for a home in the United Kingdom, has previously dismissed reports that he is in talks with England cricket as fake news.
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