South Africa fast bowler Kagiso Rabada and former pacer Shaun Pollock had expressed their delight over the appointment of Ottis Gibson as the new head coach of the Proteas.
The new appointment came at a transitional phase in South African cricket, and many believe that Gibson could be the ideal man to lead South African cricket at the moment.
The 48-year-old comes with vast experience as a coach in international cricket, as he had previously worked as head coach of the West Indies team. He is currently serving as the bowling coach of the English team and will leave be set free of the duties after the completion of West Indies series.
In an exclusive interview with Sport24 in Johannesburg, both Rabada and Shaun Pollock expressed their optimism over the appointment of Gibson.
“I know that the England players hold him in high regard, he’s got experience. I’ve chatted with him, and he looks like a nice guy. I’ve just never chatted cricket to him; I’m excited to see what all the guys are talking about. It’s a new beginning. Let’s see who he brings in the support staff and let’s see what he can do. I’m always looking to learn so I’d like to see what I can learn from him in terms of my bowling and as a cricketer in general.”
Gibson has a high profile as a coach with his impressive spells with West Indies, England, but his job could be tougher with Proteas looking to bring in more talent to the senior team.
“His credentials speak for themselves and coming fresh off this England series, his got an understanding of our strengths and weaknesses,” Pollock told Sport24.
“He would’ve also listened to the team talks in England where they felt the South African team were good or lacking. So he should have an idea on how to improve those weaknesses and even those strengths.”
Shaun Pollock also believes Gibson could get the team back to winning ways next month when they host Bangladesh. However, bigger tests await for the team when India and Australia tour later to come.
“He’s not coming in the cold and has a nice series to start. Bangladesh might be looked upon as the ideal team, and then after that, his got the two big tours of India and Australia,” said the former Proteas legend.
“He’ll have to work quickly, settle things down and try to assert his way of doing things in conjunction with Faf (du Plessis). You got to give him (Gibson) the best opportunity and wish him well.”
It might take a while to bring South Africa back to their best, as the team is looking for potential players who could replace the likes of Amla, AB de Villiers, Dale Steyn and Faf du Plessis, who are all are on the other side of the 30s.