We want to keep our best players in South Africa, says Corrie van Zyl

10/12/2019

With the team in a transition phase, Director of Cricket Corrie van Zyl has talked about the measures to combat Kolpak deal which has already taken its toll on South Africa. He also revealed that the fate of the interim coaches now lies in CSA’s hand while adding that he expects a quick decision.

The Kolpak deal has taken its toll on the South African cricket since its introduction. Players in their best form are choosing to leave their country and are travelling to the United Kingdom for “ better opportunities ”. Since 2017, there has been a flurry of Proteas players signing the deal in a list that includes some experienced players like David Wiese, Kyle Abbott, Wayne Parnell and Duanne Oliver.

These names could have given the South African selectors a plethora of choices to choose from and help improve the team’s overseas performance. Van Zyl has revealed that the board is taking some measures CSA to minimise the damage.

“We have obviously looked at Kolpak for a number of years and we have a couple of top policies to try and combat the move. But at the end of the day, it is still the decision of the player and what’s really important is to understand that the lure of exchange rate, I suppose, is an important (aspect) for the players. For us, the important part is how do we keep our best players in South Africa. We put some measures. Some measures are meant to detract or discourage players from taking up Kolpak,” Sportstar quoted van Zyl saying.

“We are making sure that we provide longer contracts for players. We have certain processes in place for that. Players want security and part of security lies in knowing what’s happening in my career. So, we have started a Personal Development Plan, so that we have early discussions with players and tell them where they are in this team and the production line. So that the players don’t feel insecure. They can make the right decision that way. Having said that, you can do all of those things, but the decision still lies on the player. There is nothing that Cricket South Africa can do from a legislation point of view to prevent a player from signing up for Kolpak. That can’t happen.”

The current coaches of the South African team, Enoch Nkwe and Anmol Muzumdar are not permanent but interim ones and with a packed season waiting for the Proteas ahead van Zyl feels that CSA must decide their fate quickly and is looking to do so. Moreover, they don’t seem to have done much well so far as South Africa is clearly struggling in India.

“Any interim structure is not ideal. With an interim structure comes a lot of insecurity. The moment you can get a permanent coach, it’s better. So, CSA is definitely looking to make sure that these roles are addressed as soon as possible, obviously our plan is to get that done before the England series in South Africa. It just makes sense to get out of the interim phase,” the director said.

When asked if Nkwe and Muzumbar could be in for a long rope, van Zyl said that it depends on the CSA. The call must be taken quickly with the T20 World Cup lurking insight.

“At the end of the day, I don’t know what you mean by the longer rope. In terms of permanency, it’s up to the CEO to decide. That process is being take care of at the moment. As I said, we just want to get that process done as soon as possible.”

We want to keep our best players in South Africa, says Corrie van Zyl

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