The Proteas 2019 World Cup failure means that Ottis Gibson’s job hangs in the balance. We look at three possible overseas-based mentors who may have what it takes to restore the Proteas to their former glory.

Stephen Fleming

The former New Zealand skipper has made a name for himself as one of the most successful coaches in the history of the Indian Premier League. Since taking the reins at Chennai Super Kings in 2009, Fleming has been a model of consistency. In his debut season with the Super Kings, Fleming steered his men to a 4th-place finish before claiming back-to-back titles in 2010 and 2011.

Following a two-year match-fixing ban, Fleming masterminded a tremendous comeback story as CSK defeated the Sunrisers Hyderabad by 8 wickets for their third title in 2018.

Success aside, it is Fleming’s coaching philosophy which makes him an enticing prospect to right the Proteas ship. Though he himself can often be described as a measured and calculating batsman, the former left-hand bat is a proponent of encouraging batsmen to learn to be aggressive before helping them improve their defensive capabilities.

His philosophy, coupled with his abundant experience of winning big matches means Fleming may just be the man South Africa needs to finally rid themselves of the “Choker” tag.

Though Fleming’s capability as a coach in the longer formats are not yet known, there is undoubted evidence that the Kiwi has the ability to get the best out of his players.

Jason Gillespie

The former Australian quick has been a sensational coach in English County Cricket since hanging up his spikes.

After being named the head coach of Yorkshire in 2011, Gillespie brought immediate success to Headingley. In his debut season, Yorkshire earned a return to the County Championship top-flight. Upon their return, Yorkshire immediately made their presence felt in the division as they finished runners-up to Durham before winning back-to-back titles in 2014 and 2015.

Gillespie’s exploits in charge of Yorkshire garnered the attention of the English Cricket Board. Though the ECB ultimately opted for his compatriot Trevor Bayliss, that Gillespie is on the radar of national teams is promising indeed. 

Gillespie’s hard-nosed mindset developed during his years as a player in the Australian Juggernaut of the late 90s and early 2000s means he is uniquely placed to cultivate a fearlessness that the Proteas sorely lack at present.

Mickey Arthur

The former Proteas mentor has enjoyed international success in his departure in 2010. Having led an unheralded Pakistan side to the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy, Arthur demonstrated his ability to instil self-belief in his players even when the odds may not necessarily be in their favour.

That Cricket South Africa and Arthur have a successful pre-existing relationship as well counts in the 51-year-old’s favour.

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