Ontong, Benkenstein, Maketa set to be part of Gibson’s backroom staff
PROTEAS head coach Ottis Gibson is set to overhaul his backroom staff, but will remain committed to an entirely South African support team.
After replacing Russell Domingo at the helm of the Proteas last month, the former West Indies all-rounder has already indicated that he would take over the bowling duties from Charl Langeveldt.
Gibson kept Domingo’s support staff together for the recent Bangladesh Test, oneday international and T20 international series, but is now ready to leave his own stamp on the Proteas.
It is believed that current Warriors coach Malibongwe Maketa will become Gibson’s assistant with Adrian Birrell, the incumbent moving on from his role.
Maketa has over the past two seasons revitalised the Eastern Cape franchise by taking a team with limited resources – the Warriors are the only local franchise of the six competing teams in the T20 Challenge without a nationally contracted player on their books – to both limited-overs finals last season.
The 37-year-old is also highly-committed to Cricket South Africa’s transformation policies, with Maketa regularly exceeding the six players of colour target stipulated and is especially passionate about providing opportunities to black African players as the Warriors often play four black Africans instead of the mandatory three required.
There will be changes to the batting department too with former Proteas ODI batsman Dale Benkenstein replacing former national teammate Neil McKenzie.
It was believed that batting coach McKenzie would stay on as part of Gibson’s support team, especially after Quinton de Kock’s glowing appraisal of his mentor after a superb 168 in the first ODI against Bangladesh last month, but he too now looks likely to be replaced.
Benkenstein is understood to have developed a good relationship with Gibson during their time as professionals on the English county championship circuit.
The former Dolphins captain returned to South Africa last year after leaving his post as Hampshire’s head coach due to “family responsibilities”.
Former Proteas batsman and Cape Cobras captain Justin Ontong is expected to fulfil the fielding coach role. The Proteas have not had a specialist fielding coach for a long period of time, with only consultants called in on an ad-hoc basis during Domingo’s tenure.
Ontong’s appointment clearly indicates that Gibson has identified fielding as major area for the Proteas to focus on, especially as they build towards the 2019 World Cup.
Spin bowling coach Claude Henderson is expected to be the lone survivor from the previous regime.