Published: Jul 04, 2017, 09:56 AM (IST)
Edited: Jul 04, 2017, 03:56 PM (IST)
South African national team’s current Head Coach Russell Domingo has confirmed that he reapplied for the post and was interviewed to be South Africa‘s coach. Domingo, whose contract expires in August at the end of the England tour, had earlier said that he had “not yet” reapplied and “can’t say” whether he has plans to take the team to the 2019 World Cup. The Board of Directors of Cricket South Africa (CSA) had last month approved the process to appoint the head coach of the Proteas at its meeting in Johannesburg as Domingo’s tenure was nearing end. Domingo has been in the role since May 2013.
“I have forwarded my application form and I have gone through an interview,” Domingo told ESPNCricinfo, three days before South Africa’s first Test against England at Lord’s. The 42-year-old had earlier been noncommittal about reapplying for the role and according to the reports, not applied until two days before the deadline. When South Africa crashed out of the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, he had still not decided whether he would put his name forward for the job. However, Domingo confirmed he had submitted his details “before the closing date” on June 16 and was interested in taking South Africa forward.
Domingo also talked about a few important factors he considered before making himself available for reappointment. “No.1, family life, which is important. No.2, the performance of the team, which is obviously important. And then whether you feel you’re the right guy to take the team forward, whether the team’s showing signs of improvement in all formats,” he said.
Domingo also maintained that whatever happens, he will finish his current term with utmost satisfaction for the job he has done. “It’s a fantastic honour to work with this team. I’ve loved my time with it and hopefully I can continue. If not, it’s in the best interests of the team. I’ve had a fantastic run and loved every single minute of it. It’s not my decision — it’s up to the board.”
Domingo’s job had come under fire towards the start of 2016 when South Africa slumped to Test series defeats against India and England and also had a disappointing World T20 campaign. However, the Proteas experienced a revival after few months, notching Test series wins over New Zealand (at home), Australia (away) and Sri Lanka (home) besides whitewashing the Steven Smith-led side in five-match ODI series at home.
He had also received the backing of the Protea limited-overs skipper AB de Villiers, who hoped Domingo reapplies and stays on after the England tour, “Yes, definitely. We’re with a great coach at the moment, who is really leading the side well and we all get along and love him as a coach,” de Villiers had said a few days back.
