Former West Indies fast bowler Ottis Gibson has been named the new head coach of South Africa’s national cricket team.
Gibson, who played two Tests and 15 ODIs between 1995 and 1999, will succeed the outgoing Russell Domingo.
“After following a rigorous process, we are delighted to welcome Ottis as the new head coach for the Proteas,” said Cricket South Africa chief executive Haroon Lorgat.
“His playing and coaching credentials are impressive and that will place the Proteas in good hands as we move towards a big home summer with both India and Australia visiting us.
“Having spent a great part of his playing career in South Africa, Ottis is familiar with our country and that should help him to settle in quickly with our national team.
“On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Russell Domingo for his positive contributions during his time with the Proteas and I am delighted he will remain in our setup as head coach of the South Africa A side. This is an important position that prepares our up-and-coming players in the next stage of their journey to become potential Proteas.
“I must also thank the England and Wales Cricket Board for their understanding and co-operation in releasing Ottis from his current contract.”
Gibson, who was the head coach of the West Indies and England’s bowling coach, added: “I am delighted to embark on this new chapter in my coaching career and I would like to thank Cricket South Africa for giving me this opportunity and the England and Wales Cricket Board for their understanding of my position. I have spent a number of happy times in South Africa as a player and I am now looking forward to return as a coach.”
CSA president Chris Nenzani concluded: “It gives me great pleasure to congratulate Ottis on his appointment and welcome him on board. I have very pleasant memories of the contribution he made to Border cricket as a player. CSA is satisfied that the recruitment process was a thorough and rigorous one and that the new coach is best suited to the needs and interests of the national team, the interest of CSA, and the national interest.
“The lengthy process was unavoidable and I would like to thank everybody for their understanding and assistance including the selection panel that advised the Board.”
