Russell Domingo isn't trying to overthink his future. Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images.
Russell Domingo admits the timing of the announcement that his Proteas coaching position is being advertised is “disappointing”.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) controversially buried that detail deep in a press release regarding the restructuring of provincial cricket two weeks ago, leading to a significant outcry.
Also read: Coach hunt doesn’t mean there’s no faith in Russell Domingo
Yet – given that there were calls for him to be fired less than a year ago – the 42-year-old mentor knows it’s far better to be philosophical about these type of matters.
“There’s never a good time to advertise a coaching position I suppose,” Domingo said Friday night after the Proteas clinched a clean-sweep in the one-day series against Sri Lanka.
“But the board’s got processes they need to follow. They need to do what they feel is in the best interest of the national cricket team.
“They’ve got to make decisions like I have to make regarding selection, strategy and tactics. I’ve got to do what I feel is best for the team, they need to do what they feel is best for cricket. So be it, I don’t have to always agree or disagree or love it. It is what it is.”
Following the announcement, CSA confirmed Domingo would be “more than welcome” to re-apply for his job.
That’s not necessarily a dangling carrot for him.
In fact, he took a leaf out of his ODI captain AB de Villiers’ book – who isn’t sure about playing Test cricket again – in being non-committal about submitting his CV again.
Also read: Bye bye Russell Domingo?
“I need to think about it. There’s still a lot of water that needs to run under the bridge. Guys are talking about the Champions Trophy but that’s still about five months away. Our focus is entirely on the New Zealand series,” said Domingo.
“It’s always been my method not to look too far ahead and take it one series at a time. I need to weigh up where I am in my life, where I am with my family and where I am in my career. At this stage, I’m not able to commit or not.”
What South African cricket can be assured of though is that Domingo doesn’t need an axe over his head as motivation to continue being passionate about his team.
“I don’t think I need the coaching advertisement as motivation to keep doing my job to the best of my ability. It’s not about me, it’s about the team being motivated,” he said.
“It’s the players that deserve the accolades because they are the ones that put in the hours on the field.”
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