The Central Gauteng Lions have congratulated head coach Enoch Nkwe on being appointed interim team director for the Proteas.

Nkwe’s appointment follows Cricket South Africa’s decision to not renew head coach Ottis Gibson’s contract. The head coach and team manager positions have since been dissolved and a team director introduced.

Nkwe will occupy the interim post for South Africa’s September and October 2019 tour of India, which will comprise three T20Is and as many Tests.

‘Enoch is a top man who leads by example. It has been an honour to have witnessed him work his magic on and off the field and I assure you he will be missed by the Lions cricketing fraternity,’ said Lions Cricket president Jack Madiseng.

‘On behalf of every Lions family member, I would like to wish him well as interim team director for the Proteas and offer our support in every possible way.’

Nkwe coached the Lions to the 4-Day Franchise Series and CSA T20 Challenge titles earlier this year. He was also the head coach of the title-winning Jozi Stars during last year’s inaugural Mzansi Super League.

He worked alongside Proteas batsman Rassie van der Dussen at the Vancouver Knights during the 2019 Global T20 Canada. The Knights won the title in 2018, but lost to the Winnipeg Hawks in this year’s final.

‘Enoch’s recent cabinet additions include the 2019 runner-up position for the Canada Global T20 as Vancouver Knights assistant coach,’ added Madiseng.

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