Cricket South Africa names Enoch Nkwe as interim Team Director

Nkwe will replace Ottis Gibson for the India tour.

Enoch Nkwe replaced Gibson as South Africa head coach | Getty Images

Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Friday, 9th August, announced the appointment of Enoch Nkwe as the interim team director of the national side for India tour next month.

South Africa will travel to India for three Twenty20 Internationals, and as many as Tests that will mark the beginning of their ICC World Test Championship 2019-21 campaign. The tour will get underway from September 15 with the first T20I in Dharamsala.

Nkwe, former Highveld Lions head coach and Gauteng's batsman will replace Ottis Gibson who was fired as Proteas head coach after CSA announced a revamped management structure in aftermath of their dismal World Cup 2019 campaign in England, where Proteas won just 3 of 9 matches.

Corrie Van Zyl, the acting director of cricket, said of Enoch’s appointment, “We are pleased to announce Enoch Nkwe as the interim team director of the Standard Bank Proteas for the tour to India. His appointment is as a result of his merits and balanced approach and is someone who compliments the direction that will be taken by the team going forward.”

Meanwhile, Nkwe, who enjoyed great success with the Johannesburg-based Lions, having led the franchise to two trophies (CSA T20 Challenge and 4-Day Franchise Series), as well as, led the Jozi Stars to the inaugural Mzansi Super League title, was overwhelmed by the honor.

Nkwe further added, “It is a tremendous honour and privilege to lead the Standard Bank Proteas as the interim team director. It is a special moment for me and my family and I will do my best to make a difference in this interim period. I am extremely excited about the challenge that lies ahead and am looking forward to meeting all the players and staff. Thanks also to Cricket South Africa for giving me this opportunity and hopefully we will return from India with positive results.”

The latest development offered the opportunity to Nkwe to select his coaching staff for India tour, while the new role has the power of the head coach along with certain responsibilities of team manager.

The 36-year-old scored 1768 runs and picked up 29 wickets in First-class cricket in his cricketing career spanning seven years.

(With Reuters Inputs)

 
 

By Rashmi Nanda - 09 Aug, 2019

    Share Via