CSA director of national teams Enoch Nkwe says he wants to provide better support for Proteas white-ball coach Rob Walter over the next two years.
Walter’s Proteas lost to New Zealand in the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy on Wednesday, having also reached the 2023 ODI World Cup semis, but he only has a 50% winning record in 24 ODIs in bilateral series.
While some CSA officials reportedly remain sceptical about Walter continuing in the role, Nkwe told the Sunday Times that he has his full backing.
“We have to empower him. Top of the list is ensuring we get a full-time batting coach and a full-time bowling coach,” he added.
Nkwe said they would analyse the Proteas’ recent playoff performances at ICC events – including the loss to India in last year’s T20 World Cup final – and the failure of their big guns to fire, in particular.
“Of course, that must start with the individuals, and we will talk to them about that, but it’s also the management and even the system in its entirety.”
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According to Nkwe, Walter will have his senior players available for ODIs more regularly in the build-up to the 2027 ODI World Cup, which South Africa will co-host, while continuing to give opportunities to other players.
“In terms of the next 24 to 30 months we will be zoning in on creating more stability and providing clarity to those players who will be strong candidates for selection in 2027,” he said.
Photo: Matthew Lewis/ICC via Getty Images
