Ottis Gibson out as South Africa plot major backroom restructure

CSA say they will now look to appoint a "football-style" team manager, reporting to the director of cricket, who will be responsible for the hiring of coaches and medical personnel, and the naming of team captains

South Africa have parted company with head coach Ottis Gibson and announced a radical restructure of their backroom team.

Gibson, the former England bowling coach, was appointed to the role in August 2017. He leaves after a disappointing World Cup campaign in which the Proteas finished seventh in the 10-team league stage.

Cricket South Africa have revealed that cricket pathways manager Corrie van Zyl will assume the position of acting director of cricket, as what the governing body is calling "a dynamic new structure" is implemented.

Team manager Dr Mohammed Moosajee has told the board of his intention to step down from the role at the end of his current contract, which is due to expire in September.

CSA say they will now look to appoint a "football-style" team manager, reporting to the director of cricket, who will be responsible for the hiring of coaches and medical personnel, and the naming of team captains.

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"Cricket South Africa today announced a dynamic new structure that will not only see the appointment of a team manager who will take overall charge of all aspects of the team, but also ensure an effective manner of cricket governance and greater accountability to South Africans," a statement read.

"The team manager will appoint his coaching staff as well as the captain(s) of the Proteas; the coaches, the medical staff and the administrative staff will all report directly to him."

"This change will herald an exciting new era for the SA cricket and will bring us into line with best practice in professional sport," said chief executive Thabang Moroe.

"I must stress that the new structure was not a rash decision. It was taken after much deliberation by the Board, taking all the factors into consideration about the current state of our cricket and also the plan that we need to get to within the timelines we have set. 

"I would like to thank Ottis Gibson, other members of the team’s current senior management, and our long-serving team manager, Dr Moosajee, for their national service to South African cricket."

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