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Cape Town - Former South African fast bowler Fanie de
Villiers says he does not believe the reasons behind Allan Donald’s sudden
resignation as Proteas bowling coach.
Donald on Tuesday shocked with his decision to step down after four years at the helm.
He was appointed in June 2011 as part of Gary Kirsten’s management team and continued in the role under Russell Domingo from August 2013.
The 48-year-old said it was “the right time to move on” and thanked the players, coaches and Cricket South Africa for their support over the years.
“I have had some time to reflect after the World Cup and have come to the conclusion that the time is right to move on,” said Donald. “It was always a big dream of mine to work in the South African cricket environment after my playing days and I was incredibly honoured to be given the opportunity. The last four years have been the best of my life and being involved with the Proteas in the 2015 Cricket World Cup was a goal I had set my sights on.
“I was blessed to have worked with the best bowling attack in the world over a four year period and leave with fond memories and experiences, particularly getting to the top of the ICC Test rankings. I have a lot of respect for the environment and culture that the players have created and I have no doubt that it will continue to grow under the leadership of Hashim Amla, AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis.
“Lastly, I'd like to thank my family for their unconditional support throughout the hustle and bustle of international sport. All the best to Russell and the rest of the team. May the Proteas go from strength to strength and I will be following their journey with great interest.”
De Villiers, speaking to Netwerk24, found it hard to believe Donald’s reasons in the official press release.
“I do not believe it at all. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if there’s another story behind his decision. Allan would have earned a lot of money as bowling coach of the national team and I don’t think you just turn your back on that.
“Obviously, questions will be raised about what happened at the World Cup and whether the SMS story with Vernon Philander had anything to do with it.
“Maybe it’s a case of some of the players trying to work him out?
“With Charl Langeveldt brought in (as bowling consultant) before the World Cup to help with the bowling, could politics have played a role?
“It all just sounds a bit too strange for Allan to make a decision like that so sudden.”
Donald is currently in India, working as the bowling coach of IPL team, Royal Challengers Bangalore.
