Share

Gibson must lead Proteas to CWC glory to keep job

Cape Town - As things currently stand, Proteas coach Ottis Gibson needs to lead the team to Cricket World Cup glory later this year if he wants to keep his job.

Thabang Moroe, Cricket South Africa's CEO, told Netwerk24 that Gibson’s current contract stipulates that he needs to win the World Cup in order to start negotiations for a contract extension.

"When Cricket South Africa’s board appointed Ottis, it was with the sole mandate of winning the World Cup. If he achieves the goal, we will look at a possible contract extension," Moroe said.

Moroe added that there have been calls for Cricket South Africa’s board to discuss Gibson's current contract and possibly amend it.

"As things currently stand, because the board is yet to meet, Ottis' contract won’t be extended if the Proteas don’t win the World Cup," Moroe stressed.

Since Gibson took charge of the Proteas in August 2017, the team has fared well.

The recent 3-0 Test series win over Pakistan has taken them to No 2 on the ICC Test rankings, while they are ranked fourth in ODIs and fifth in T20Is.

They Proteas are currently unbeaten in seven consecutive home Test series and they are expected to make it eight against struggling Sri Lanka next month.

Before the Sri Lanka series, the Proteas will play five ODIs and three T20Is against Pakistan.

It remains to be seen whether more successes in these series could sway the Cricket South Africa board's decision regarding a possible amendment of Gibson's contract.

The 2019 Cricket World Cup, hosted by England and Wales, is scheduled for May 30-July 14.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1140 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1321 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2020 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE