Will Russell Domingo reveal on Monday whether he has reapplied to be South Africa’s coach? © Getty Images
Russell Domingo will have the opportunity to end speculation over his future on Monday, when he can confirm whether or not he has reapplied for his job as South Africa’s head coach. Domingo will be presented at a press conference as he prepares South Africa for a four-Test series against England, at the end of which his current contract runs out. CSA has advertised for and interviewed candidates to fill the post but could not be drawn into revealing whether Domingo is among them. The man himself, though, can comment on the process and bring to an end months of uncertainty.
Since January, when CSA announced it would advertise the national post, Domingo has been non-committal over whether he wanted to continue in the role. In February, after South Africa beat Sri Lanka, Domingo said he needed “to think about” carrying on and by the end of March, in New Zealand, he told journalists he was was waiting to find out the process CSA was following in appointing a new coach.
Subsequently, CSA announced a five-man panel including two former national coaches, Gary Kirsten and Eric Simons, to recommend a candidate for the coaching job. However, as recently as three weeks ago, when South Africa crashed out of the Champions Trophy, Domingo said he had “not yet” reapplied for his job, even though the deadline was less than a week away. CSA closed applications on June 16 and held interviews last week.
ESPNcricinfo can confirm that Lions’ coach Geoffrey Toyana was among those interviewed. Toyana is considered a front-runner for the post after winning four trophies in five seasons for the Lions – and his status as favourite is thought to have discouraged other applicants, Domingo included.
Several sources said Domingo had initially not been interested in putting his name forward and one insider even revealed that Domingo had enquired about taking over the South African A side. However, reports in the local media suggested that Domingo had either a late change of heart or was convinced to make himself available for the main job. CSA could not comment on the matter as it remains confidential.
Many familiar faces have cropped up in reports on the other candidates. Among them is former Titans coach Richard Pybus, who is currently director of cricket in the West Indies, and Phil Simmons. Paddy Upton, who was also linked to an application, has not put himself into contention.
CSA’s board will meet on July 21 and will receive the committee’s recommendation on the new coach, but their decision will only be made public after the Test series ends on August 8.
Firdose Moonda is ESPNcricinfo’s South Africa correspondent
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Source: ESPN Crickinfo