Jonty Rhodes likely to become South Africa’s fielding coach
The newly appointed South Africa coach, Gary Kirsten is looking forward to bring in an able support staff for the national team in a bid to emulate his successful stint with the Indian cricket team which saw the men in blue clinching the World Champ title
earlier this year.
It has been reported that Kirsten is eager to engage his former teammate and prolific fielder, Jonty Rhodes to improve the fielding skills of Proteas.
"Jonty is definitely part of our plans - and we could use him as a consultant if our fielding needs attention," the former India coach was quoted as saying by a leading sports website.
Rhodes, the 41-year-old Natal-born has been the fielding coach of South Africa cricket team in the past as well.
Last year he was hired as Kenya cricket team’s assistant coach and served the associate nation till the ICC World Cup 2011. During his stint with the Kenya cricket team, he assisted the side in fielding as well as batting.
The Natal batsman has also been fielding coach of Mumbai based Indian Premier League franchise, the Mumbai Indians.
Kirsten, however, made it clear that the support staff will be hired on part time basis.
"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," elaborated the former South Africa opener.
Kirsten, 43, was last week appointed as the new South Africa coach after Corrie van Zyl gave up the coveted role after the ICC World Cup 2011. Allan Donald will be assisting the Proteas in bowling.
It has also been reported Kirsten is keen to employ world renowned sports psychologist Paddy Upton as the mental conditioning expert for the South Africa team. Upton was also part of Kirsten’s coaching staff that led Mahendra Singh Dhoni and his men in blue
to their first World Cup in the past 18 years.
Kirsten said that would like to use Paddy on part-time basis and not as a full timer.
Russel Domingo has already been appointed as Kristen’s assistant.
Article sources:
http://www.sport24.co.za/Cricket/Proteas/Kirsten-hunting-Rhodes-Upton-20110612
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/cricket/article-1394898/Gary-Kirsten-appointed-coach-South-Africa.html
http://www.espncricinfo.com/southafrica/content/player/46973.html
http://www.espncricinfo.com/southafrica/content/player/45813.html
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