New Proteas coach plans no major changes

The new coach of the South African national cricket team, Russell Domingo, says he plans to build on the processes put in place by outgoing coach Gary Kirsten.

It was announced on Saturday that 38-year-old Domingo would take over from Kirsten in August. Kirsten said on Friday that he would not be renewing his contract, because he wanted to spend more time with his family.

Domingo has been assistant coach of the Proteas for the past two years, and in December, he took over as coach of the national T20 team.

"I aim to build on and enhance the processes put in place by Gary," said Domingo.

"There is a very strong management team in place, and I will keep that team for the time being, although I might add one or two people I believe will be of use to us.

"But it is very early days, and I will need to consult with many people before I take over."

Domingo dismissed suggestions that his lack of Test cricket experience would be a disadvantage.

"I have been coaching for the for the past 16 years, and I have a very good rapport with players. I believe I have something to offer the national side, or I would not have accepted the position."

Domingo is the first person of colour to be appointed as head coach of the Proteas, but he did not believe this would be a burden to him.

"I went through all that when I was appointed to coach the Warriors," he said.

"I don't see players in terms of black players or white players -- I see them as cricketers, and I think the same will apply to me. I am a coach, not just a coach of colour. I certainly don't see it as a burden."

Before accepting the position, he said he had been in contact with a number of senior players.

"I've been making phone calls to India and places all over the world, and I'm delighted to say that the support from the senior players has been overwhelming."

Announcing Domingo's appointment, Cricket SA president Chris Nenzani said the federation had put its faith in the new coach.

"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," Nenzani said.

"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."

Nenzani said Kirsten would take the Proteas to the Champions Trophy tournament in England and Wales next month, and would then step down, with Domingo taking over the reins of the SA Test, ODI and T20 squads on August 1.

"Although the terms of Russell's contract have still to be worked out, we see his initial appointment as being for two years, which will take us up to the World Cup in 2015," said Nenzani.

The Proteas lost only two of 19 Test matches during Kirsten's tenure, securing series victories over Sri Lanka, New Zealand, England, Australia and Pakistan to cement their place at the top of the world rankings.

They have had less success in the shorter formats over the last two years, however, winning 13 of 24 one-day internationals and half of their 18 T20 games.

They were eliminated in the second round of group-stage matches at last year's World T20 tournament in Sri Lanka.

(Photo: Gallo Images)

- Sapa