Ottis Gibson to coach Proteas

Ottis Gibson to coach Proteas
Associated Press / Eranga Jayawardena

Former Barbados and West Indies fast bowler, Ottis Gibson, was appointed the new head coach of South Africa cricket team.

Gibson, 48, was given a two-year contract, which will see him preside over the Proteas until the end of 2019 Cricket World Cup in England.

Cricket South Africa’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Haroon Lorgat said, “following a rigorous process, we are delighted to welcome Ottis Gibson as the new head coach for the Proteas.”

“Having spent a great part of his playing career in South Africa, Ottis is familiar with our country and that should help him to settle in quickly with our national team,” he said.

Gibson is currently the England bowling coach but will be released from his duties following the end of the ongoing three-Test series against the West Indies.

He took up the role for the second time last year after previously serving in the position between 2007 and 2010.

Gibson also served as head coach of the West Indies team for four years, leading them to the capture of the Twenty20 World Cup in 2012, before being axed in 2014.

He was a former right-arm fast bowler, played two Tests and 15 ODIs for West Indies between 1996 and 1999. He finished with 659 first class wickets overall.