Oh how different it could have been for the Proteas at the World Cup.
That’s probably how most fans feel today after the national team finally turned on the style in their last match of the tournament, beating Australia by 10 runs on Saturday.
Don’t get me wrong, it doesn’t make things right and it doesn’t mean all is forgiven now.
However, there is just something special every time South African get the better of the Aussies.
If only the Proteas could turn back the time and start the World Cup from scratch they are ready now.
Forget it people, it’s a story that has played out many times before.
I’m sure that, personally, you have wanted to turn back the clock many times in your lifetime.
Problem is we can’t and we just have to learn from the mistakes made in the past.
And that brings me to the coaching structure of the team going forward.
Captain Faf du Plessis mentioned before the match against Australia that he wants coach Ottis Gibson to stay on and for the two of them to have another crack at winning a trophy at next year’s T20 World Cup.
Kudos to you if you remembered that the West Indies are the current holders of that tournament title. I had to Google it, that’s how much I think of T20 cricket.
Still, SA have not yet tasted success at that event either, so it will be useful in getting that monkey off our backs.
Faf’s reasoning behind his request for Gibson to extend his contract was that it takes a while for coaches to build a relationship with the team.
That’s true.
But during his tenure as head coach, I feel Gibson was a bit one-dimensional in his approach.
I explained previously that he was over-reliant on fast bowlers to win him games and that the batsmen suffered because of it.
TAKING A BACKSEAT: Robbie Fleck. Picture: BACKPAGEPIX
So what is the solution?
I believe the answer lies in current Pakistan coach, the wily Mickey Arthur.
Having coached the Proteas before, Arthur knows all about the disappointment of taking charge of the national team.
Back in the day he left the job after rumoured differences between himself, CSA and ex-captain Graeme Smith.
Since then, Arthur has been in charge of the Aussies and also steered Pakistan to Champions Trophy glory.
His Pakistan side also narrowly missed out on a World Cup semifinal spot because of net run-rate.
Now here’s the thing, I don’t think we should throw Ottis Gibson to the wolves.
I do like his philosophy on fast bowling. I like that he wants to create a mean machine.
But I also realise the need to be more tactical and here I believe Arthur can shine.
While the West Indian cuts a more relaxed figure than the South African, I believe they will work perfectly well in tandem.
Gibson and Arthur were teammates at Griqualand West back in the day and I believe together they will make one mean team.
Two head coaches is not a bad idea if you can put the egos on the backburner.
South African cricket can only benefit from this.
I mean, look at Robbie Fleck taking a backseat at Western Province and helping new boss John Dobson prepare for the Currie Cup.