Proteas coach Russell Domingo has until Friday to reapply for the national job.
Though his contract expires at the conclusion of the England tour, time is running out for the Proteas mentor.
Domingo was coy on the subject when quizzed after the Proteas exit from the Champions Trophy, stating that he had ‘not yet’ submitted an application and that ‘he can’t say’ whether he hopes to lead the side to the 2019 World Cup.
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South Africa have been extremely successful under Domingo since he took over from Gary Kirsten in 2013. The former Warriors coach has overseen South Africa’s rise to the summit of both the Test and ODI rankings.
Despite this success, Domingo’s failure to lead the Proteas to a major ICC tournament victory leaves a gaping hole in an otherwise impressive CV.
When reflecting on this disappointment, Domingo expressed the view that it was not as a result of a lack of effort on the part of the players.
‘We’ve come so close on so many occasions, and it’s just disappointing that we didn’t give ourselves the best chance here. The players are bitterly disappointed. I can tell you it’s not through lack of trying or lack of effort or commitment,’ Domingo told ESPN Cricinfo.
In the wake of the Proteas’ humiliating loss to India, which led to their Champions Trophy exit, Domingo was philosophical about the result.
‘Someone told me that India didn’t field at all for the last couple of days (before our match), we try and field as much as we can. So it’s not through lack of effort. I’m just bitterly disappointed for the players.’
‘They’ve played some great cricket this year and sometimes life can be unfair. But you’ve got to make your own luck as well,’ he added.
Domingo says despite the disappointment, CSA should not be too hasty in initiating a reshuffle of the team’s leadership.
‘Players need to go away and think about it for a couple of days. Never good to make decisions when emotions are high, so once things have calmed down I suppose people need to sit down and think of a way forward once again. Take it from there. Now is not the time,’ Domingo said.
An announcement on the Proteas head coach is expected in September.
