Gibson’s sights firmly set on No 1 test spot

FOR a man who arrived in South Africa just more than six months ago to occupy one of the hottest seats in the country amid mixed reactions‚ Ottis Gibson’s start to his job as Proteas coach has got off to an impressive start.

At the end of his 10th test match against Australia at the Wanderers on Tuesday‚ Gibson reflected on the enjoyable experience‚ where South Africa have won eight tests and lost twice‚ with pride.

But he was quick to point out that his team remain a work in progress.

“I have enjoyed my first six months with the team and it has been quite an experience. We have won eight out of 10 test matches‚ which includes two big wins over India and Australia‚” Gibson said.

Since the West Indian took over from Russell Domingo in August last year‚ Gibson has overseen a 2-0 series win over Bangladesh‚ victory over Zimbabwe in the once-off first day/night test in South Africa‚ 2-1 win over India and the recent 3-1 win against the Aussies. India lead the ICC test rankings but South Africa are breathing down their necks in second place.

Gibson said the Proteas have set their sights on returning to the top of the pile in the coming months where they are scheduled to play against Sri Lanka‚ Zimbabwe and Pakistan.

“The same way players set goals‚ is the same way that coaches have set goals for the team in trying to get to number one.”

Gibson said he was well received by the players when he first arrived.

“The guys welcomed me very well in the dressing room.

“Sometimes as a foreigner‚ or whatever you want to call it‚ you don’t know how it is going to go at first. I came in and I have been myself in trying to have fun and take the pressure from the players.”

In white ball cricket‚ the Proteas comprehensively beat Bangladesh 3-0 in ODIs and 2-0 in T20s but they went on to lose heavily 5-1 to India in the ODIs and 2-1 in T20s.

Gibson‚ though‚ said he was not worried with those defeats as he wanted to have a look at fringe players. – Mahlatse Mphahlele