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New Proteas role for Upton

Johannesburg - Cricket South Africa (CSA) is set to announce a change in the management structure of the national team.

According to SuperSport.com, former fitness trainer and mental conditioning coach, Paddy Upton, is set to assume an overseeing role as Proteas Performance Director.

Coach Gary Kirsten will remain in control of the team with assistant Russell Domingo and team manager Mohammed Moosajee both retaining their positions.

Upton, however, will be promoted to a new position from which he can contribute and advise in every department, from physical fitness to preparation and logistics. He will work closely with Kirsten to continue creating the team culture that has been a hallmark of their success together.

“The Proteas is a business which extends a long way past the eleven players on the field and the national squad. Most of the various departments and personnel have, at some time or another, felt the need for more coordination and that’s what I’ll be doing from now on,” said Upton.

“I have worked with Gary for a very long time, even before we joined up with India, so I have an intimate understanding of his vision and principles. People don’t necessarily have to share that vision or those principles but it is important that they understand them, and that they are upheld throughout the national team’s structures,” Upton said.

“The objective is that we set up a culture that will provide the team with the best chance of having both success and enjoyment, and that when new players come into the national team they are fully aware of the level of personal responsibility expected of them.”

The Proteas will on Monday head off to Switzerland for a team building session with adventurer and motivational speaker Mike Horn.

This will be part of their preparation for the England tour, which starts next month.

They have the opportunity to become the No 1 Test team if they beat England in the series and Kirsten feels this trip to Switzerland will be beneficial for their preparations.

Horn previously worked as a motivational speaker with India just before they won the 2011 World Cup under the guidance of Kirsten.

"It will be important to have the right frame of mind on the English tour, therefore I want all the players to be focused on the goal at hand," said Kirsten.

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