If there is one thing we learned in 2019 it’s that we need all hands on deck if we want to conquer the world.
And that’s why I like the fact that our experts are coming in as consultants at our various national teams.
First things first, for this to work all egos have to be pushed aside.
I’m going to start with our national cricket team, the Proteas.
The appointment of Jacques Kallis as batting consultant is the example I would like to use.
I can’t think of any South African fan that didn’t enjoy the allrounder’s batting technique back in the day.
And I tip my hat to Director of Cricket Graeme Smith who asked Kallis to help the current crop of players, even if it’s not a long-term appointment.
Spending time with Kallis in the nets to perfect their batting technique is what should be done and once this is done, I believe they should move on to the next batting consultant.
And here you have to be clever.
EXPERT: Lance Klusener could give the Proteas a further edge. Picture: Merilyn Bernard.
If the post-Kallis problem is that the players can’t score big runs in limited-overs cricket, for example, bring in Lance Klusener.
Zulu, as he is known, was SA’s best master blaster and no doubt has some knowledge that he can impart on the younger generation.
So for specific problems, you bring in specific consultants with the head coach ultimately bringing the whole puzzle together.
The same goes for bowling where one of the best swing bowlers this country has produced, Charl Langeveldt, is currently in charge.
While the head coach and his assistants will remain in place for the duration of their contracts, I believe these consultants should come and go as the job requires.
Now for rugby.
CALLING SHOTS: Matfield can help SA lineouts. Picture: File image.
The South African Rugby Union (Saru) is expected to name their head coach this week.
And unfortunately the two main candidates for the position have not played the game at a high level.
Jacques Nienaber, who is expected to be named head coach, and Deon Davids are the two vying for the top position.
Yes, they will report to Director of Rugby, Rassie Erasmus, who will still have a strong hand in the team.
But both Nienaber and Davids will need some really good consultants if they crack the nod.
And hopefully Saru are not scared to ask former players to help out on a consultancy basis in in those problematic areas.
EXPERT: Fourie du Preez was a top box kicker. Picture: File image.
I think three months of former scrumhalf Fourie du Preez, who had the best box kick in the game in this country, helping the No.9s and you are certain that they will add those extra few percentages of perfection when it comes to executing this art.
Legendary Bok lock Victor Matfield would be a great lineout consultant for a few months.
If the team struggles at the scrum time, for example, bring in someone like Os du Randt, who’s won two World Cups.
You get the picture.
Only if we push egos aside and, more importantly, have less administrative interference in squad members, will we be on top again in both sports come 2020.
TEMPLATE: Molefi Ntseki could follow the suite with a team of the best players on the coaching team. Picture: Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix.
I am pretty sure that if Bafana Bafana coach Molefi Ntseki would make use of the same template, we can be a force again.
Having said that, I am positive about sport in our country once again - especially our cricket.
Regular readers of this column will know that I was deeply concerned about the direction the game was going until earlier this month.
But now with former players in charge - guys who have a passion for the Green and Gold, guys who’ve been there and done, guys with experience - I am confident again.
With England in South Africa, we will get to see if there has been any progress in the team.
Head coach Mark Boucher and his coaching team haven’t had much time to work with the players, but I believe two weeks is more than enough for “consultants” to make a positive difference in any player.
Centurion Park will play host to the first five-dayer on Boxing Day and with South Africa currently at the bottom of the ICC Test Championship after just one series in India, there is only one way to go and that is up.