Five options for Proteas coach
MARK Boucher sent shockwaves through South African cricket circles when he announced he’d be resigning as the Proteas head coach after the T20 World Cup in October.
Stuart Hess and Zaahier Adams assess some candidates to take over from Boucher …
Wandile Gwavu
The Central Gauteng Lions head coach is a forthright speaker and has close ties with both Temba Bavuma and Cricket SA’s director of cricket, Enoch Nkwe.
Gwavu was Nkwe’s assistant at the Lions before taking on the main role, so understands Nkwe’s vision. He’s had success with the Lions too, winning the four-day competition in his first season, and then last summer, he oversaw the side’s success in the One-Day Cup.
Mandla Mashimbyi
The Northerns Titans head coach was Boucher’s assistant in his time at the franchise, and has on occasion acted in a similar role with the national team as well.
More of a bowling expert, he’s nevertheless got close bonds with the likes of Test skipper Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram and Lungi Ngidi.
In the first season of the new provincial system, Mashimbyi has put Northerns atop the points log, having led them to the Four-Day title and a runners-up spot in the T20 competition.
Imraan Khan
The KwaZulu-Natal coach has quietly gone about creating a stable environment at the coastal union, which has led to success across the board – leading the Dolphins to their only fourday title in the previous franchise era in its final season – and more latterly in the limited-overs competitions of the new system as well.
The presence of so many Dolphins players in the national squad – Keshav Maharaj, Sarel Erwee, Keegan Petersen, Khaya Zondo and Andile Phehlukwayo – is a tribute to the work Khan’s been doing over the last few years.
Malibongwe Maketa
The current SA ‘A’ team coach has been in England recently as part of the back-room staff. Hasn’t had a lot to do as A team coach recently, but is studious and well respected throughout the system.
Was Ottis Gibson’s assistant when he was in charge of the national team, and has been around the national set-up for a long time. Did some excellent work at the Warriors franchise in Gqeberha before being roped into the national and then SA ‘A’ teams.
Robin Peterson
Has done a fine job marshalling a young Eastern Province Warriors team in recent years, where he has overseen the development of Tristan Stubbs, among others.
Peterson is the only contender on this list with vast international playing experience, Khan has one Test cap.
He has since turned to coaching and has worked in the Caribbean Premier League to go along with up-skilling himself with a Masters Degree in Sport Directorship from Manchester University.
Is lined up for a new role as director of cricket for the Cape Town SA20 franchise, which could impact his availability for the national team, though.