Russell Domingo has not yet made a decision regarding his reapplication as head coach of the Proteas.
Back in January, CSA announced that they will be accepting applications for the Proteas’ head coach position. This meant that current Proteas coach, Domingo, would have to re-apply for the role if he seeks to continue his work with the SA team.
Domingo’s job was under scrutiny following the Proteas’ series defeats to India and England and a disappointing World T20 campaign in 2016, but SA have since found team cohesiveness and have racked up great performances. They beat New Zealand and Sri Lanka in Tests at home and Australia abroad. They also racked up consecutive home ODI whitewashes against Australia and Sri Lanka to claim the No 1 spot on the ICC ODI rankings.
Speaking to the media at Centurion on Friday after the Proteas beat Sri Lanka to seal a 5-0 whitewash, Domingo was clear that he would like to remain focused on the job at hand.
‘I need to think about it. There’s a lot of water to still go under the bridge. Our focus is on this New Zealand series. I need to weigh up where I am with my life, with my family, with my career and make a call closer to the time. At this stage, I am not able to commit or not commit. I have to see,’ Domingo said.
Domingo has had three contract extensions, the latest one keeping him on until after the England tour. His current contract will include a trip to New Zealand for a T20 match, ODI series and Test series, a trip to England for an ODI series, followed by the ICC Champions Trophy and four-match Test series aginst the hosts to end the Proteas’ tour to England.
If Domingo can keep up SA’s purple patch and find Campions Trophy glory, CSA would be expected to ask the current gaffer to re-apply. Domingo reiterated that his prime focus is the well-being of the team, and not his own job security.
‘I don’t think I need that as any form of motivation. It’s not about me, it’s about the team. It’s not about me being motivated, it’s about the players being motivated,’ he said.
He continued speaking about CSA’s decision to make the announcement in the middle of a series.
‘There’s never a good time, but the board has got processes they need to follow. They need to do what they feel is in the best interests of the national team. Whatever they feel that is, they need to make those decisions. I don’t always have to agree with it or love it or disagree with it. It just is what it is.’
‘That’s part of life and part of sport. If my contract can be up and Jose Mourinho’s contract can be up – I am only Russell Domingo… there have been big coaches whose contract has expired and they’ve got to move on. That’s the way it is.’
The Proteas will travel to New Zealand for their T20 match against the Black Caps in Aukland on Friday.
