The CSA panel tasked with choosing the next Proteas coach have interviewed the candidates, and it’s believed that Russell Domingo isn’t one of them.

CSA have refused to comment whether or not Domingo reapplied for his position, but it’s becoming increasingly clearer that he hasn’t.

The panel, comprising three CSA board members, Norman Arendse, Rihan Richards and Oupa Nkagisang, as well as former SA coaches Gary Kirsten and Eric Simons, have finished interviewing the shortlisted candidates.

They will present their recommendations to the board at the upcoming CSA board meeting on 21 July, and the new coach will be announced once the England Test series is completed in early August.

Cricbuzz.com understands that Domingo has not reapplied for the role, and they’ve identified the men who have put their names forward. Domingo was reportedly aggrieved with CSA’s decision to ask him to reapply in the first place, while speculation has increased over Domingo’s desire to coach in England in the County setup.

This, despite public backing from key players within the Proteas side, notably AB de Villiers. ‘We’re with a great coach at the moment, who’s really leading the side well and we all get along with him and we all love him as our coach,’ the ODI skipper said during the Champions Trophy.

Alas, the potential candidates are certainly going to give food for thought. Among the names are former Titans coaches Rob Walter and Richard Pybus, as well as SA A coach Shukri Conrad. In what could be a step in the right direction for transformation, we could see the first black South African coach selected from either Lions coach Geoffrey Toyana or the Warriors’ Malibongwe Maketa. Phil Simmons is believed to have applied, while there have been rumours about his West Indian countryman Ottis Gibson going for the gig too.

Toyana has be earmarked as one of the strongest candidates for selection. Not only would it be a huge step forward for transformation, but he’s enjoyed plenty of success with the Lions, and his tendency to push youngsters through is one of his proudest attributes. He has experience in the national setup, having been assistant coach for the SA U19 side, as well as the Emerging sides.

There is a strong case, however, for him to be eased into the role in an assistant capacity instead, which could pave the way for someone with international experience. Richard Pybus could be that man. On top of overseeing Pakistan to the 1999 World Cup final and coaching Bangladesh, he’s also one of the most successful coaches in domestic franchise cricket, having won nine titles over six years with the Titans and the Cobras.

If the rumours are correct, then Gibson is a competitive candidate too. The former West Indian international coached his country between 2010-14, and is currently the bowling coach of England.

It’s all speculation for the time being, but one thing is almost certain: the Proteas will have a new coach in roughly six week’s time.

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