Fast bowler Dale Steyn has lamented former captain Graeme Smith’s withdrawal from contention for Cricket South Africa’s vacant director of cricket role.

The position was created earlier this year, but hasn’t been filled on a permanent basis. Former coach Corrie van Zyl holds the post in an acting capacity, but is suspended.

Smith was interviewed for the position, but later formally withdrew his candidacy earlier this month.

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‘It’s a pity Graeme pulled out of something like that‚ because he’s a role model. A lot of the youngsters would been quite excited to play under him,’ said Steyn.

‘It’s a pity‚ but we always push on. We’ll find a way.’

Former Proteas cricketer Neil McKenzie, meanwhile, has joined the Jozi Stars coaching staff for the remainder of the 2019 Mzansi Super League. Former Proteas batsman and coach Gary Kirsten is working with the Durban Heat. The veteran Hashim Amla is a batting consultant for the Cape Town Blitz.

‘The important thing is to keep good coaching involved and trying to keep past senior players in the system‚ so young players have somebody to learn from,’ added Steyn.

‘If you’re losing those guys you’re creating a massive gap. There’s tons of names for young players to learn from‚ so we need the senior players to stay in.’

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