Unless an outrageously obvious candidate emerges, Malibongwe Maketa must succeed Ottis Gibson.
Gibson’s tenure as Proteas head coach won’t likely be extended, particularly after the Proteas’ predictably poor performance during the 2019 World Cup.
Pundits vast and varied have insisted Mark Boucher, Ashwell Prince and other franchise coaches remain in contention to displace Gibson, but Maketa is the level-headed choice during these difficult times for South African cricket.
The current deputy coach’s elevation would be the logical approach, much like when Russell Domingo succeeded Gary Kirsten in 2013. Domingo was primed for the promotion during two years under Kirsten and rose to the helm when the time was right. The appointment of Maketa would follow this example.
The political climate is appropriately conducive to Maketa’s advancement, too. Cricket South Africa won’t likely look abroad – the lesson has been learned with Gibson. Local is lekker. Kirsten, Mickey Arthur and Graham Ford were popular choices and successful enough. Another South African – born and based – head coach is a must.
Prince or Boucher’s time will come, perhaps among the support staff before in the top job, but not yet. Their coaching credentials need a few more years in domestic cricket. Maketa, meanwhile, has been in the franchise coaching ranks for over a decade and worked alongside Richard Pybus, Matthew Maynard and other respected coaching personalities.
The gap between the World Cup and September and October’s tour of India is an ideal period for Cricket South Africa to make this change. Maketa’s challenge would be to fashion characteristic and comfortable leadership and not just be pinned as a figurehead.
‘If heads do roll then we can look back and say we’ve given it our best shot. We came here to win and it hasn’t happened. We want to make sure we leave Cricket South Africa in a better place than when we took over. It might not look like it now, but we think we have contributed,’ said Maketa during South Africa’s plighted World Cup campaign.
The notion of leaving the Proteas in a stronger position was, admittedly, beyond Gibson’s ability. Maketa, if appointed, would be empowered by the mistakes and able to direct strategy for correction. He’d need the correct personnel, of course, including the hopeful inclusion of Rassie van der Dussen in the Test fold – and at least another year with Faf du Plessis as captain.
Yes, Grant Morgan has left for Scotland, Jonty Rhodes is in the running to be India’s fielding coach and Charl Langeveldt recently joined Bangladesh. South Africa’s so-called talent drain is, indeed, evident – and Maketa must be given reason to stay.
Photo: Gallo Images
