Gibson shows he means business

THE saying that a new broom sweeps clean certainly applies to Proteas coach Ottis Gibson.

The West Indian has wasted no time in putting his personal stamp on the team as he looks to usher in a new era for the side.

Just weeks into the job, Gibson has initiated a mass clear-out of his backroom staff, which may have come as a surprise to many.

After his team bulldozed a weak Bangladesh team into submission he got to work in restructuring the coaching setup.

In soccer, a new coach always brings in his own team of assistants and Gibson has followed suit in the hope that this will reap rewards.

Out go bowling coach Charl Langeveldt, assistant coach Adrian Birrell and batting consultant Neil McKenzie.

In come the Warriors’ Malibongwe Maketa (assistant coach), Dale Benkenstein (batting coach) and Justin Ontong (fielding coach).

As a former fast bowler himself, the pragmatic Gibson says he will take on that role within the squad.

After comfortably getting his feet under the table against Bangladesh, Gibson will now face much sterner challenges as the South African summer unfolds.

First up is what should be another easy assignment against Zimbabwe in the Boxing Day day-night pink ball test at St George’s Park next month, starting on December 26.

The real test of Gibson’s man management will come when the Proteas host India and Australia on South African soil next year. Bay fans will get to see both these in action live during their tours.

One of Gibson’s biggest concerns is that senior players like Dale Steyn and Vernon Philander are fit for the big battles that lie ahead.

During his time as an England bowling coach, Gibson showed that he had the knack of getting the best out of his players. That quality will be vital for South African cricket as they bid to climb the test rankings.

Gibson said he had canvassed far and wide in getting the best personnel so that South Africa became a feared force on the world stage once again.

By clearing out his coaching staff so early on in his tenure, the burly Gibson has shown he means business.