Justin Ontong joins Ottis Gibson’s Proteas coaching staff

THE support staff for Proteas coach Ottis Gibson is set to be named soon, with Warriors mentor Malibongwe Maketa understood to be earmarked as his assistant coach.

Independent Media also understands that Dale Benkenstein (batting) and Justin Ontong (fielding) will be assistant coaches, with spin specialist possibly staying on.

Former bowling coach Charl Langeveldt was jettisoned a couple of weeks ago, with Gibson announcing that he would be assuming those duties.

Assistants who will be leaving the national team set-up are Adrian Birrell and Neil McKenzie.

Maketa has over the past two seasons revitalised the Eastern Cape franchise. He has taken a team with limited resources – the Warriors are the only local franchise of the six competing teams in the on-going RamSlam 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.

Benkenstein is understood to have developed a good relationship with Gibson during their time as professionals in the English county championship. The former Dolphins captain returned to South Africa last year after leaving his post as Hampshire’s coach due to family responsibilities.