Proteas
Kirsten hunting Rhodes, Upton
2011-06-12 17:53
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Eduan RoosJohannesburg - New Proteas coach Gary Kirsten will look to extend his coaching staff in search of the world's best coaching team for the Proteas.
Kirsten - who was
appointed as the new Proteas coach last week - says he will look to employ his former teammate and fielding star, Jonty Rhodes, as well as world renowned sports psychologist, Paddy Upton.
Rhodes, 41, has been the Proteas' fielding coach in the past and was also used by Kenya in this role at the recent World Cup on the subcontinent.
Russel Domingo has already been appointed as Kirsten's assistant, with Allan 'White Lighting' Donald being chosen to take charge of the bowlers.
"I believe there is enough knowledge and skill within the side not to employ another person permanently, but we will use so called specialists in specific areas," said Kirsten.
"Jonty is definitely part of our plans - and we could use him as a consultant if our fielding needs attention."
Rob Walter - currently the Proteas' fitness coach - was also in charge of the fielding at the World Cup.
"The same applies for Paddy," said Kirsten.
"I would also really like to use him on a part-time basis."
Upton was part of Kirsten's triumphant Indian side that won the recent World Cup after a dramatic victory over Sri Lanka in the final in Mumbai.
Meanwhile, Cricket South Africa is still waiting to hear whether Donald's predecessor, Vincent Barnes, will remain involved within their structures.
The Capetonian's contract of many years with CSA expires at the end of June and a number of teams - including the Titans and Bangladesh - are hunting his services.
"Vincent has already rejected the Bangladesh offer after we approached him to assist Corrie (van Zyl - Kirsten's predecessor as Proteas coach) at the High Performance Centre in Pretoria," said CSA CEO Gerald Majola.
"We're still waiting on an answer from him, but hope that he won't be lost for the country."
Van Zyl has returned to his post as head of coaching at the Centre, after the Proteas were knocked out in the quarter-finals of the World Cup against New Zealand.