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Cape Town - Former Proteas captain Graeme Smith says “strong leadership” is needed for the national team.
A new coach is set to be unveiled for the national team, with former West Indian paceman Ottis Gibson the hot favourite to replace Russell Domingo.
In an interview with Netwerk24, Smith was hesitant to say whether Gibson’s appointment would be the right one.
“We’ll first have to see how things go with him (Gibson) at the helm. One thing is certain, there is good, strong leadership needed for the team.”
According to Smith, the first task for the new coach would be to sit down with AB de Villiers and get the player to make clear his future international ambitions.
De Villiers has played on and off for the Proteas in recent times.
“The situation with AB de Villiers needs to get sorted once and for all so that there is clarity for everyone and where they stand with him. The new coach will play a large and important role in that.”
Smith was speaking after being unveiled as head coach of Gauteng franchise, the Benoni Zalmi, who will participate in the inaugural T20 Global League later this year.
Highveld Lions coach Geoffrey Toyana, who was among the frontrunners for the Proteas head coaching role, has been appointed as Smith's assistant.
The 36-year-old Smith is widely regarded as South Africa's most successful captain after playing in 117 Tests, 197 ODIs and 33 T20Is for the Proteas.
This will be Smith's first stint as a coach in cricket.
