Good luck, coach Gibson
BY ALL accounts, Ottis Gibson made a good impression at his first press conference as the new Proteas coach in Johannesburg this week.
The Barbadian handled some probing questions with aplomb, and his wish that the Proteas will rekindle the pure love for the game of cricket like when they were children was as refreshing as a cooling breeze on a hot summer’s day.
Gibson knows the job will come with tremendous pressure. For many years, the Proteas have been battling to shake off the “chokers” tag hanging around their necks, and Gibson’s primary brief will be to bring the elusive ICC World Cup to South Africa in two years’ time.
The 48-year-old is a reputed winner, though, having masterminded the West Indies’ first World T20 triumph in Sri Lanka in 2012.
Gibson had two stints as England bowling coach (2007-2010 and 2015-2017), and played a leading role in the development of Stuart Broad and James Anderson.
Having played domestic cricket in South Africa for three provincial unions, Gibson is well versed in the dynamics of the local game. His holistic approach of “when I got involved in coaching I wanted to improve, not just cricket but people”, will serve him well, especially in forging a relationship with national captain Faf du Plessis.
The strength of this bond could ultimately determine Gibson’s tenure for Du Plessis is highly regarded in the national set-up.
Gibson currently has a fast-bowling crisis to navigate with four pacemen on the injured list, but he can at least look forward to the return of maverick batsman AB de Villiers after the Bangladesh incoming tour.
Gibson will look to integrate De Villiers smoothly into the Proteas environment ahead of the major challenges that India and Australia will pose this summer.
There are many who speak highly of Gibson, including former Proteas coach Russell Domingo. Time will tell whether they were being polite or if Gibson does have the Midas touch.
In the meantime, we wish Gibson all the best in one of the toughest jobs in South African sport.