BREAKING: Mark Boucher’s Proteas interim successor named

Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced on Wednesday that Malibongwe Maketa has been appointed the Proteas interim head coach for South Africa’s upcoming three-match Test tour of Australia.  

WATCH | VIRAT KOHLI FUMES AT ‘INVASION OF PRIVACY’ AFTER HOTEL ROOM VIDEO

Maketa, who is currently the South Africa ‘A’ coach and National Academy Lead, will take charge of the Test squad from December until early January as they prepare to face Australia in their penultimate series of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC).

South Africa find themselves placed second on the table behind Australia following two series wins, one loss and one draw in the second cycle of the WTC.  

The 42-year-old steps into the role after being part of South Africa’s most recent Test tour of England, where he worked as a consultant during the four-day warm-up match against England Lions and the triumphant first Test at Lord’s in August. He also served as assistant head coach to the Proteas from 2017-2019. 

ALSO READ | MARK BOUCHER APPOINTED NEW MUMBAI INDIANS COACH

Commenting on Maketa’s appointment, Director of Cricket Enoch Nkwe said: “We are pleased to name Malibongwe as our interim coach to lead the Proteas in Australia. He is a familiar face to the environment and has worked in the same space previously when he served as assistant coach.  

“Mali knows most of the players well; they know him too; and with such a short time between now and the tour, we as Cricket South Africa felt we needed someone who could step in immediately and lead us through what is an important series for the Proteas. 

“We would like to wish him well on his appointment. He has our full support, and we have no doubt he will do South Africans proud in this series.” 

MUST READ | FAF DU PLESSIS SLAMS MARK BOUCHER, GRAEME SMITH IN AUTOBIOGRAPHY

Welcoming Maketa to the Proteas setup, CSA Chief Executive Officer, Pholetsi Moseki said: “Malibongwe has earned respect and acclaim as a coach and a leader. This interim appointment is in recognition of his ability to ingratiate himself into any system and assure continuity. As no stranger to the Proteas setup, I am confident that he will acquit himself well and hit the ground running.” 

South Africa Test tour to Australia fixtures  

17-21 December 2022 

Australia vs South Africa – The Gabba, Brisbane  

26-30 December 2022 

Australia vs South Africa – MCG, Melbourne  

4-8 January 2023 

Australia vs South Africa – SCG, Sydney