Gibson has had fruitful talks
JOHANNESBURG: Ottis Gibson’s plans to tinker with South African cricket’s coaching structure may cause minor ructions for Cricket SA, but it must have been something the organisation had envisaged when they appointed an overseas coach for the Proteas.
Yesterday, Gibson revealed that he has held discussions with CSA about “key positions” he believes will make a “real difference to coaching in this country.” Essentially Gibson is looking for a couple of high-powered local advisors who he will be able to depend on for tips about local players. But while some may see that as being the role of the national selectors, it is those individuals’ coaching expertise and objectivity that Gibson will be calling on.
Gibson wants CSA to appoint “elite” coaches for batting and bowling that will initially help the national side, but will also prove beneficial overall to the local game. “When we are on tour and we have a couple of injuries, I want to know who’s the next best fast bowler in the country, I have a person I can go to,” said Gibson.
“At the moment if I ask that question, I’m asking that to the selectors, they are doing a great job, but they are not coaches.”
Gibson said he held fruitful discussions last week with most of the franchise coaches where he outlined his plans for the national team, particularly with regards to strategies for the one-day international side with an eye towards the 2019 World Cup.
“I had a really good discussion last week with most of the franchise coaches, to introduce myself, and get a message to them about what I need from them and what they may need from me as well, with (to) regards communication and how that communication works both ways,” Gibson explained.
“I enjoyed explaining to them my philosophy, and how I want to take, certainly the white-ball team forward to 2019, and they are fully on board with a lot of the stuff. Hopefully those relationships will continue to grow in the next 12 months.”
Gibson, has provided CSA with a list of candidates from which he wants to draw his new coaching staff which he wants in place by the time the Proteas regather to begin preparations for the four-day Test against Zimbabwe in Port Elizabeth on Boxing Day.
Charl Langeveldt’s contract as bowling coach will not be renewed, with Gibson saying yesterday that he had been working with the fast bowlers in addition to his role as head coach. “Cricket SA has to make that happen,” Gibson said about contracting his staff. “Some (names) are from overseas, some local; I want a batting, an assistant, a fielding and a spin-bowling coach. That’s four plus me, which will make up the coaching staff.”