Former Proteas fast bowler Victor Mpitsang is excited to begin his role after being named as the new CSA convenor of selectors.
The governing body announced the appointment on Wednesday with the 40-year-old set to begin his term on 2 November.
Mpitsang, who represented the Free State and Eagles during his domestic career before retiring from the game in 2012, is eager to get the ball rolling before the Proteas return to action.
READ: Mpitsang named as new national convenor of selectors
‘It’s an honour to be called up for this role,’ he commented.
‘For the last eight years since my retirement, I have consciously looked to learn as much as I can about this game and I have put in many hours gaining that knowledge and experience. ‘
The Kimberley-born made two ODI appearances for the Proteas in 1999 but played in 103 First-Class, 100 List A and 23 T20 matches in his career.
Since retirement, he has worked for SuperSport, while he was also an assistant coach to various SA U19 teams.
‘When you retire from playing you always hope you can stay in and around the game somehow and make a positive contribution in some way, no matter how small. I have been incredibly fortunate to have received the opportunities that I have in the past and to have learned how things work from admin to playing and coaching.
‘I’m really looking forward to this next chapter and all that it brings. The Proteas teams are a vital part of the cricket eco-system and there are areas that need our immediate attention, which I’m itching to get started on,’ Mpitsang concluded.
In response, CSA director of cricket Graeme Smith highlighted the importance of the role and why Mpitsang was the perfect candidate for the job.
‘The role for the national convenor of selectors is an incredibly important one, which is why the process of appointing the eventual candidate has taken so long. We needed to be certain that we have left the role in the safest hands possible and Victor’s credentials speak for themselves.
‘He has made it his business to know the ins and outs of cricket after his playing days, from KFC Mini-Cricket, all the way to the senior Proteas men’s and women’s teams. His experience as a coach in our various development programmes means that he has the kind of knowledge and context that was crucial in our chosen candidate.’
