Russell Domingo to replace Gary Kirsten as South Africa coach
Russell Domingo also took over as coach of South Africa's Twenty20 team for a series against New Zealand and Pakistan in December 2012, giving Gary Kirsten a chance to focus on Test and One-Day preparations as well as spend more time with his young family.
The current South Africa assistant coach, Russell Domingo, will be taking over the reigns as the chief coach from Gary Kirsten come August 1. The decision was announced by Cricket South Africa in a press briefing on Saturday.
"It's a massive day in my life and career. Thanks to CSA for having the confidence in me to take up this important role," said Domingo after the appointment.
"I feel it has come at the right stage of my coaching career, having spent the last two years working with Gary."
Citing family reasons, South Africa coach Gary Kirsten had on Friday decided not to sign a contract extension with the team which ends in July this year.
Domingo, 38, is one of the youngest persons to become head coach of the Proteas but he has already built up an impressive CV of experience. As franchise coach he led the Chevrolet Warriors to the domestic limited overs double and it was during his franchise coaching career that he employed Kirsten as a batting consultant.
His first assignment will be when the Proteas travel to Sri Lanka in July for five ODI's and three T20 International matches.
"We have no doubt that Russell will do an excellent job," commented CSA President and Board of Directors chairman Chris Nenzani. "He has built up an excellent career record over a short period of time and he has played an important part in the success that Gary has achieved for us over the past two years.
"Continuity is very important both in terms of player selection and the management team and this will enable us to have a seamless transition from one coach to another.
"Russell inherits a world-class group of players who have performed consistently at the highest level and he will continue to build the Proteas as a world-class brand."
Kirsten was appointed in August 2011 for a two-year period with an option to renew it for a further two years. His contract required him to inform the Board by April 30 2013 whether he wished to exercise that option.
Russell Domingo also took over as coach of South Africa's Twenty20 team for a series against New Zealand and Pakistan in December 2012, giving Gary Kirsten a chance to focus on Test and One-Day preparations as well as spend more time with his young family.