Proteas captain AB de Villiers has come out in support of the team’s coach Russell Domingo.

There have been growing calls for the resignation of Domingo in the aftermath of the disappointing semi-final loss to West Indies, but De Villiers has been quick to defend him. He said he believes the coaches had prepared the team well prior to the start of the tournament and most of the blame should go to the players who failed to put in any meaningful performances during the Tri-Nation series.

De Villiers acknowledged the role the coach has played in the players’ careers over the years that they have been together, and opined that the Proteas’ coaching stuff is amongst the best in the world.

‘He’s played a big role in all of our careers over the last four years,’ De Villiers said of the coach.’I feel that he’s done a fantastic job … it’s sad to see him under pressure.

‘It’s definitely not the coaching staff. There is no doubt in my mind that they are the best in the world with what they do and what they bring to the table.

‘Unfortunately as players we let them down in this series,’ he said. ‘We had ample opportunity in a few games to really knuckle it down.

‘It comes down to the players; the preparation was perfect.

‘All the coaching staff did their jobs so it is sad to see Russell under pressure. It shouldn’t be that way. There are a few players who should be under pressure.’

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