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Cape Town - Kagiso Rabada and Shaun Pollock are both optimistic over the appointment of Ottis Gibson as the Proteas' new head coach.
West Indian Gibson was confirmed as Russell Domingo's replacement following months of speculation after the latter's contract was set to expire at the end of September.
In an exclusive interview with Sport24 in Johannesburg, where Rabada and former Proteas all-rounder Pollock were serving as Nissan Ambassadors at the Festival of Motoring, Rabada said that Gibson's appointment serves as an exciting and new beginning for South African cricket.
"I know that the England players hold him in high regard, he's got experience," said Rabada.
"I've chatted to him and he looks like a nice guy. I've just never chatted cricket to him, I'm excited to see what all the guys are talking about.
"It's a new beginning. Let's see who he brings in the support staff and let's see what he can do.
"I'm always looking to learn so I'd like to see what I can learn from him in terms of my bowling and as a cricketer in general."
Pollock, who now serves as a commentator on SuperSport, said that Gibson has the best knowledge coming in as England bowling coach after the Proteas' 3-1 loss in their recent four-match Test series.
"His credentials speak for themselves and coming fresh off this England series, his got an understanding on our strengths and weaknesses," Pollock told Sport24.
"He would've also listened to the team talks in England where they felt the South African team were good or lacking. So he should have an idea on how to improve those weaknesses and even those strengths."
Gibson's first assignment will be a two-Test home series against Bangladesh beginning on September 28, which is followed by a three-match ODI series and two T20Is.
Pollock feels that Gibson has the perfect opportunity to get the Proteas back to winning ways with the upcoming Bangladesh tour.
"He's not coming in cold and has a nice series to start. Bangladesh might be looked upon as the ideal team and then after that his got the two big tours of India and Australia," said the former Proteas legend.
"He'll have to work quickly, settle things down and try to assert his way of doing things in conjunction with Faf (du Plessis). You got to give him (Gibson) the best opportunity and wish him well."
Gibson will take over his new role after the completion of the ongoing England and West Indies three-Test series, which ends on Monday, September 11.
