Former Proteas captain Graeme Smith, Cricket SA’s head of Pathways Corrie van Zyl and former national selector Hussein Manack were interviewed for the Director of Cricket post at Cricket South Africa (CSA) by a five-person panel late last week.
CSA are looking to speedily fill a crucial position that will have a massive influence over the direction the sport will take in SA.
Many view Smith as the ideal candidate, given his extensive international career which included arguably the most successful period in Proteas history on the field between 2008 and 2014.
Suspended interim Director of Cricket Van Zyl’s interview comes at a strange time.
CSA’s most recent comment about his suspension, besides claiming they hadn’t named him - was that the matter was still under investigation.
Manack had a long playing career in the old SA Cricket Board era and has served as an administrator at Gauteng Cricket and was on the national selection panel for six years up to this year’s World Cup.
The appointment of a Director of Cricket is extremely urgent for CSA as that person will be responsible for overseeing the appointment of the Proteas head Coach/Team Director for the upcoming series against England.
Over the longer term the Director of Cricket will also be responsible for formulating strategy around a style of play for all national teams, and a plan for the 2023 World Cup.