Amla on coach drama
‘News that coach must reapply for job no distraction’
PREMIER Proteas batsman Hashim Amla has revealed that Russell Domingo remains fully motivated and the team have not been distracted by the turn of events of the coach needing to reapply for his job when his contract comes to an end in August.
Cricket South Africa (CSA) said at the weekend that it had resolved to begin a recruitment process as it looked to appoint a head coach through to the 2019 World Cup‚ which means Domingo must reapply if he wants to continue in charge of the Proteas.
“It hasn’t affected the coach too much. The coaching team is extremely motivated‚ which is brilliant‚ and they have been professional in everything they are doing‚” Amla said in Durban yesterday as the Proteas wrapped up their preparations for the second ODI against Sri Lanka at Kingsmead today.
“Don’t forget that it is about six to seven months away [to the end of Domingo’s contract]‚ which is a long time. In between then‚ we have many different challenges to keep our focus on.”
Amla said a thriving team culture had allowed them to remain focused on the job at hand against Sri Lanka – and the bigger picture of planning for the Champions Trophy‚ which takes place in England and Wales in June.
“The beauty of the team is that we are focused and we have a good culture, and the news that the coach must reapply for his job has not been a distraction at all,” he said.
“It’s about what is next for us because we understand that we are playing for a bigger cause and for our country.”
Looking ahead to today’s clash against Sri Lanka‚ Amla said their preparations had gone well and their mission was to increase their lead to 2-0 following a comprehensive eight-wicket victory on Sunday in Port Elizabeth.
“Preparations have been very good. Coaches and captains have tried to put structures in place for the team to succeed and it has been working very well,” he said.
“At the moment , we are playing very good cricket. The team seems very settled.”
Amla said he was impressed by the way the batsmen had been playing over the last few months. At the moment‚ each guy’s batting is looking good and the lineup looks very solid.
“Quinton de Kock is one of the best‚ Faf du Plessis is in very good form‚ AB de Villiers is a legend‚ JP Duminy has been batting very well, and everybody has been contributing,” he said.
“But we don’t want to look too far ahead because we know that the game changes very quickly.”
Interest in the match is high and a big crowd is expected to watch the second game in the series.
Sri Lanka will be determined to bounce back after the Port Elizabeth defeat at the first opportunity in Durban.
It hasn’t affected the coach too much. The coaching team is extremely motivated