Change is definitely coming to the Proteas’ coaching staff
Head coach Ottis Gibson has sent his wishlist to Cricket South Africa and it's an exciting but potentially expensive one.
It’s highly unlikely that Ottis Gibson and Adrian Birrell (R) will be a coaching team anymore. Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images.
Proteas coach Ottis Gibson has supplied a list of his preferred candidates to make up his new support staff.
But the ball is now in Cricket South Africa’s court to make it happen.
The former West Indian fast bowler naturally wasn’t prepared to make mention of the individuals he has in mind yet it’s clear there will be changes.
Gibson had kept the previous regime’s coaching staff – Adrian Birrell, Neil McKenzie, Charl Langeveldt and Claude Henderson – for the Bangladesh tour for continuity.
Their contracts have now expired.
“At the moment there are just names of people that I think can do a good job with the team. The job that I want them to do,” Gibson said in Sandton on Monday.
“They are just names, some from overseas, some local.”
One man who is definitely in the cross hair is Langeveldt, who, as bowling coach, is in the unlucky position of doing exactly what Gibson does.
“I will do the bowling coaching. I’ve already informed CSA about that,” said the Proteas mentor.
“Having spoken to Charl as well, that’s always been my specialism as a coach, fast bowling.”
While suggesting that the Proteas will employ a batting, fielding, assistant and spin bowling coach, Gibson also wants “elite coaches” that can work all around the country at all levels.
However, that type of arrangement would most likely come at a high cost.
“I’m also in discussion touch with CSA about a few key positions that I think can make a difference in this country in terms of having elite coaches. So there is an elite fast bowling coach for CSA, not just for the team, and an elite batting coach so that when we are on tour, and we have a couple of injuries and I want to know who is the next best fast bowler in the country, I have a person I can go to,” said Gibson.
“At the moment, if I ask that question, I will be asking it to the selectors. The selectors are doing a great job but the selectors are not coaches. Sometimes you want a coach.”
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