Some may doubt Enoch Nkwe’s experience but after his successes with the Lions, he’d be a good candidate for Proteas coach, writes Naeemah Benjamin.

In his debut season as head coach, he’s taken Gauteng cricket to new heights, winning the 4-Day Franchise Series as well as the CSA T20 Challenge. He also won the inaugural Mzansi Super League with the Jozi Stars.

What is most liked about his coaching style is his competitive nature and desire to win. This has transformed the Lions into a team whose determination and never-say-die attitude in pressure situations, has made them a dominant side.

The players understand the brand of cricket they are expected to play and execute it so well. The attacking brand of cricket is similar to what the Proteas have been aiming for.

The players can be themselves, play with freedom and as a result, bring out the best in each other. That’s the sort of environment and culture he has instilled in the camp.

With the retirements hovering around the current Proteas squad, it’s time to rebuild for the future and in particular the next World Cup. 

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With the Proteas inability to perform under pressure it’s important to note the performances the Jozi Stars and the Lions players put in at the back end of the tournaments. Their campaigns started off slowly but as the competitions went on the team started to gel and they peaked when it mattered the most and they won the important games.

The Proteas squads have never lacked talent or ability to win. What they do lack is the mental strength to win the big games in ICC events.

Nkwe has proven he has the mentality to win. It’s not about how you start the tournaments but how you finish.

Photo: Lions/Twitter