Battered Proteas need the Guardiola touch: Coach
VISAKHAPATNAM: South Africa coach Enoch Nkwe wants to channel the philosophy of titleladen football manager Pep Guardiola to turn the suffering Proteas into a winning force.
Following India’s 203-run mauling of his team in the first Test on Sunday, captain Faf du Plessis and Nkwe pleaded for patience as the squad rebuilds after Dale Steyn’s and Hashim Amla’s retirement.
Nkwe, 36, said he wants to see South Africa follow Guardiola’s innovative style and produce a brave team — but he warned it would take time.
“What I want is this team to have the courage, in certain situations, to really back themselves,” he said.
“I suppose that every coach that comes in has a different philosophy.”
Nkwe has only an interim contract with South Africa so far, and was appointed for the Indian tour. He caught the attention of the South African public and national federation after making a spectacular start as a coach, winning the four-day and T20 titles with the Highveld Lions in one year.
Nkwe said South Africa must “be able to control sessions a lot longer for period of time with both bat or ball”.
“But also be a lot smarter and be very innovative in certain situations.”
He said he was looking forward to see how his team recovers from the setbacks, and responds to each match.
The team put up a spirited fight before Mohammed Shami’s 5-35 on the final day dealt a devastating blow to the tourists in Visakhapatnam. Opening batsman Dean Elgar stood out with his 160 in South Africa’s first innings score of 431.
Nkwe said Guardiola has a knack of improving systems, and admires his total passion for football — something that resonated with his love for cricket. “I feel I have so much to offer to the game, especially back in our country.” ENG PICK SILVERWOOD LONDON: England cricket chiefs have named Chris Silverwood as their new head coach to replace Trevor Bayliss, who stepped down last month at the end of his contract.
The 44-year-old, who has spent the past two years serving as fast bowling coach under Bayliss, will take charge for the tour of New Zealand in November.
While former India and South Africa coach Gary Kirsten and Surrey’s director of cricket Alec Stewart emerged as contenders to succeed Australian Bayliss, managing director of England men’s cricket Ashley Giles described Silverwood as the “standout candidate”.