Proteas call up Warriors coach
Coach still getting used to news of Proteas appointment
IT HAD not sunk in yet yesterday afternoon for Warriors coach Malibongwe Maketa when Cricket South Africa officially unveiled Proteas coach Ottis Gibson’s backroom staff, with Maketa as his assistant.
It is easily the biggest appointment of Maketa’s coaching career and will see him link up with fellow new recruits Dale Benkenstein, who takes up the position of batting coach, and current Cobras stalwart Justin Ontong as fielding coach.
“I have been really focused on the Warriors. This was only confirmed two days ago, so I haven’t had any time to sit and think about my plans yet and cast my mind out in terms of what is required,” Maketa said.
“At this point my focus is fully on the Warriors. “I think it hasn’t sunk in yet. “It is exciting times for me and my family. I am really grateful to Warriors cricket and especially to the players for the way they have gone about trying to reflect how I would like the game to be played.”
Maketa has been Warriors coach, his first head coaching position, since the 2014-15 season after former coach Piet Botha resigned in December 2014.
He has gone on to turn the Warriors into title contenders, with them reaching the final of last season’s CSA T20 and Momentum One Day Cup competitions.
He now gets the chance to enhance his ever-growing reputation on the international stage.
“I am really looking forward to working with elite players,” he said.
“These are the best players in the country and linking up with national coach Ottis is really exciting.
“He has backed me to be a part of his team, to go out and win the World Cup, and for that I am really grateful.
“I look forward to learning from him and also learning from the players as it is a great group of guys.”
Maketa, who was born in Port Elizabeth and grew up in Zwelitsha, matriculating from Dale College, will officially join up with the Proteas at the culmination of the current Ram Slam T20 competition, which is set to end next month.
This sees him linking up with the team ahead of the day-night test against Zimbabwe from Boxing Day and before the India series starting in January.
“I think I wouldn’t have done it any different way. The Warriors have been amazing to me and it would be nice to sign off by doing well in the Ram Slam,” Maketa said.
“I am also grateful to Cricket South Africa for at least giving me the time to finish off with the Warriors on the right note.
“The players have been good. It is going to be a bit of a transition for them, having me leave during the season, but I believe we have enough senior players in the side and a good backroom staff who are capable to take over if required, and I back them to do a good job and finish the season.
“I do not know who will be taking over yet. We will be sitting with the board on Monday to decide a way forward, which will be important for the players to have a clear mind going into the rest of the season.”
Going forward, Maketa will be looking to learn as much as possible on the national front and entrench himself into the coaching setup.
“For me it is going up a level. It is important I get myself settled in.
“Working with elite players is something I am going to cherish and I will speak to [Ottis] and be clear on what he is requiring and then I will be able to set clear goals.”
Maketa will now be focusing on the Warriors’ Ram Slam T20 clash with the Titans tonight and will be hoping to celebrate with a good win over the star-studded outfit.