New Proteas team director Mark Boucher has highlighted confidence as they key focus department if South Africa were to beat England in the upcoming Test series.

Boucher and his new coaching staff, which includes former Proteas players Jacques Kallis and Charl Langeveldt, haven’t had a lot of time to prepare for the start of the first test match, but the former wicketkeeper feels the team has enough quality to front up to the English challenge.

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‘Our side has come off a lack of confidence and for me it is to get that confidence back, and to make sure that we’ve ticked every box possible in terms of preparation,’ said Boucher on Friday.

He also uttered his relief of having an experienced backroom staff to help take the Proteas team forward and make them a competitive test outfit again.

‘We’ve got some great knowledge in the dressing room. The consultants and new coaching staff that have come in have been fantastic.’

Boucher, who represented the Proteas in a 147 tests matches, was appointed as the Proteas team director  in December after former test captain Graeme Smith took over the role as new interim Director of Cricket.

According to the 43-year-old, it is important for the coaches to create the perfect environment for the players to perform in.

‘Ultimately our role as coaches is about trying to create an environment for the players to go out there and play their best cricket. It’s been hard work on us coaches but we want to get the dirty work done. We certainly do have diversity in our dressing room, in terms of characters, and I want those characters to come out and add value in their own department and to the team unity as well,’ said Boucher.

Boucher believes the series against England is the perfect opportunity for him and the team to take the first step in a new direction.

‘We want to challenge ourselves against the best and traditionally any South Africa and England series have been tough fought. England have always been a tough opponent and this year will be no different.’

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