Cricket South Africa has appointed Ottis Gibson as their new coach of the national team as a replacement of Russel Domingo. Gibson was the bowling coach of the England cricket team before being appointed as the coach of the South African team. Gibson was also the coach of the West Indian team which won the 2012 T20 World Cup.
Gibson played for West Indies in the late 1990’s as a fast bowler. He made his ODI debut for West Indies in May 1995. His international career lasted for four years. Apart from playing for the West Indies, Gibson played for various franchisees as well. He played for clubs in England, South Africa, and West Indies.
Geoffrey Toyana who is the coach of South African franchise Highveld Lions and played with Gibson at Gauteng Cricket played, feels that appointing Gibson is a great decision by the South African cricket board. He believes Gibson’s experience, and coaching abilities can take South African to the next level.
He said:
“It’s been a great decision by CSA to get someone from outside to see whether he can take us somewhere. With what he’s said in the media‚ he is talking the truth and he’s saying all the right things. He’s the type of coach we need in terms of bringing fresh thinking and he comes in as an outsider‚ he’s gone out in the media and said he wants to talk to all the franchise coaches because we know the players better than he does. It’s also important for us as franchise coaches to talk to him and ensure we give him all the support he needs. It’s an important relationship from a cricketing perspective. We’re excited to see what’s going to happen over the next six months. After all‚ our role as franchise coaches is to produce players for the national team.”
Toyana also believes that his history with West Indies cricket makes him a great contender to become their next coach as he can deal with the set of politics in the West Indies board. He said:
“Gibson has massive experience and he played here in the late 1990’s so I know he understands what’s happening with South African cricket. From the outside with him looking in‚ he has found and spoken to people about our country’s politics and that’s very important. It’s also important for us coaches to have that open door policy when it comes to Ottis just to help. If he has any questions he needs to ask‚ I think us as the six franchise coaches have to make sure we share all the information we have.”