Update 10 May 2013: Russel Domingo proves PE’s got Talent (Domingo ascends to Head Coach of the Proteas).
On Monday Cricket SA announced the appointment of Gary Kirsten as Head Coach of the Proteas, Russel Domingo as assistant coach and Allan Donald as bowling coach.
Kirsten’s appointment is for a period of two years.
“We are delighted to welcome Gary back as part of the CSA family,” commented CSA CEO Gerald Majola. “We have been through an exhaustive but rewarding process to find the best possible candidate for the job and we are totally confident that we have done just that.
“The selection of Gary has brought to an end a process that started several years ago when he first expressed interest in the position.
“Gary’s credentials and cricketing experiences speak for themselves and the Board of CSA is confident that he will lead the Proteas to new heights in all formats of the game.
“It has been highly encouraging to see the calibre of candidates from around the world who applied for this prestigious position and it confirms the high regard for South African cricket around the world.
“Gary will now make recommendations regarding his key support staff and these positions will be announced as soon as contractual negotiations have been completed.”
Kirsten said he felt greatly honoured to be selected for this important position. “In the first place I would like to say what an honour it is to become head coach of the Proteas,” Kirsten commented. “Having filled the same position with the Indian national team for the past three years I believe this is a natural progression as far as my coaching career is concerned.
“My coaching philosophy will not be any different than it was for the Indian team. I always endeavour to influence players in a positive way and give them options so that they can grow both as cricketers and as people.”
Kirsten, 43, has just completed a successful three-year stint as Head Coach of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) during which time he led them to the ICC World Cup crown and to the No. 1 ranking in Test cricket.
As a player he had a distinguished career both for Western Province and the Proteas. He was the first South African to reach the milestones of 100 Test caps, 7 000 Test runs and 20 Test centuries and, although these marks have subsequently been passed by Jacques Kallis, he set the original benchmark for others to follow.
He was also the first South African since unity to score a century in both innings of a Test match and he stood in for an injured Hansie Cronje as captain of the Proteas against Pakistan in 1998.
Kirsten’s first assignment will be against Australia, starting on October 13.
Port Elizabeth based Russel Domingo – formerly coach of the local Warriors franchise – has been named as Kirsten’s assistant.
Former Proteas fast bowler Allan Donald has also been named as bowling coach.
Current bowling coach Vincent Barnes’ contract expires next month, and he will not be appointed on a full-time basis after that.
Domingo’s quiet and steady approach to coaching the Chevrolet Warriors side resulted in a team that grew in stature to a highly succesful 2010 season. MyPE will be sorry to see Russel go but on the other hand are extremely proud that he has gained national recognition.
Some reactions from Twitter:
- @Thoza1: Gary Kirsten, Allan Donald and Russel Domingo sounds like a dream team for the Proteas.
- @dane_skyman: Gary Kirsten and Russel Domingo will officially start on 1 August and Allan Donald to start immediately
- @Team_MK: Lol. If u can’t beat em? Give em a contract.
- @Sbu_Fundraiser: Gary Kirsten, Russel Domingo and Allan Donald announced as Proteas coaching staff. Worst kept secret in cricket history.
Alan Straton
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Just shows that us folk from PE is nie net so nie. Well done to Russell. Couldn’t have happened to a nicer and more deserving guy.