Let’s discuss the role of Director of Cricket, I have given my options who are yours? asks Ravi Reddy from Johannesburg.

Don’t be fooled by the title, Devi Sankaree-Govender isn’t going to exploit any company’s fiendish plans today.

However, much like the anxiety held by most Politicians in South Africa (possibly knowing that Mrs Sankaree-Govender is sitting in their reception area), the cricket-loving republic of SA was bamboozled and stunned by Graeme Smith’s (Biff) decision to withdraw from the interview process. Unlike an atypical twitter rant from KP, Biff’s rationale was sound, citing the following:

“However, despite my obvious desire to make a difference, during the long and, at times, frustrating process over the last 10 or so weeks of discussions, I have not developed the necessary confidence that I would be given the level of freedom and support to initiate the required changes.”

So given that the role is clearly vacant and that no other candidates were provided as much spotlight as Captain Biff, this certainly leaves room for speculation, wonder and excitement.

Many cricket journalists and publications have shared their opinions and forecasted their predictions of potential “successors” of Corrie van Zyl (bearing in mind that this position is a permanent role). So here is my list of potential contenders (if CSA considers candidates outside of the recruitment process):

Victor Mpitsang

While possessing a minute international career, Victor represented the Free State Eagles in numerous First-Class games as a Fast Bowler. Beyond his cricketing abilities, Victor Mpitsang held various leadership roles with the “Convenor of Selectors” being the most recent position. Mpitsang recently returned to commentary and is a regular on “Inside Edge”

Dave Richardson

A former world-class wicket-keeper for the Proteas, preceding the great Mark Boucher, Richardson shifted his focus to Administration in the early 2000s. He would eventually become the CEO of the ICC (International Cricket Council) in 2012 and stepped down from the role in July this year. With close to 20 years of international cricketing administrative experience coupled with over 8 years of professional experience, this would make Richardson a worthy contender.

Andrew Hudson

A former opener and one of the longest-serving convenor of selectors (spanning over 5 years) makes Andrew a potential candidate. While some may argue that a number of selections were questionable during his tenure, Andrew remains poised, tranquil and relished the challenge of taking on complex selection conundrums.

While the DOC role goes beyond selection, his commercial knowledge and experience in the banking sector may prove valuable in managing the financial shambles (Courtesy of CSA management) we have come to “admire” in recent years.

Gary Kirsten

There aren’t enough praises that this man has received to date. For starters, he is a World Cup-winning coach. He also set up various cricket academies locally and throughout the world. His passion for providing solid cricket infrastructure to under-developed townships has been gruelling but reaped major rewards in recent years. 

Gary has substantial cricketing knowledge, building management structures for the India team in which is still being manifested to this day. His relationship with the various cricketing unions knows no bounds and could prove extremely useful in shifting the National team in the appropriate direction. He is a strategic person in nature and this position would complement his visionary strengths overall.

Eric Simons

While Eric Simons has not coached a national team in close to 20 years, his experience is very sound as a player, coach and administrator. His work with subcontinental youth speaks for itself and if applied correctly in the SA environment could yield major benefits. His involvement with the Mzansi Super League also adds depth to his CV and knowledge of the local game.

Shafiek Abrahams

Dare I say it, much like Victor, Shafiek is an underdog compared to the other individuals on this list. In most recent years, he’s enjoyed his multiple tenures in the Afrikaans commentary box. However, he formed part of the selection panel during Hudson’s tenure as Convenor of Selectors.

Perhaps most notably, Abrahams has extensive commercial experience with lengthy tenures at NMMU as well as the University of Pretoria in business development capacities. I can’t emphasise enough on the “financial hole” CSA happens to be in at the moment. 

Shaun Pollock

With his long-standing Test record only recently being broken by another Stalwart, Dale Steyn, Shaun Pollock is arguably one of South Africa’s greatest cricketers of all time. While captaining the team in the dismal, often forgettable 2003 campaign, Pollock demonstrated fantastic leadership succeeding from the late Hansie Cronje.

Polly, shared fantastic insights in recent years as a commentator, often partnering with Biff himself. While Biff may have turned down the opportunity of DOC for CSA, perhaps Polly could be an even greater step in the right direction?

ALSO READ: Shukri Conrad perfect for Director of Cricket post

Again, folks, this is purely an opinion piece based on my rationale on what is needed for this particular position. That said feel free to sound off your idea, suggestions on who should be our inaugural Director of Cricket for CSA.

Peace, Love and Cricket

Follow Ravi “The Heavy Roller” Reddy on Twitter.

Disclaimer: Cricket Fanatics Magazine encourages freedom of speech and the expression of diverse views from fans. The views of this article published on cricketfanaticsmag.com are therefore the writer’s own and do not necessarily represent the views of the Cricket Fanatics Magazine team.

Photo: Chris Ricco/BackpagePix