WHO WILL LAND THE PROTEAS JOB?

Following the shock resignation of Mickey Arthur on the eve of the Proteas tour to India, names are been thrown around as to who the new South African cricket coach might be.

Corrie Van Zyl takes over as caretaker coach, while the big guns at UCB are looking for a dynamic personality to take South Africa on to their first ever World Cup Victory.

A UCB spokesman said they are looking for a long term solution, someone with a good record, preferably an International who also has knowledge of local conditions.

The obvious choice would be Gary Kirsten, whose contract expires in March with the Indian National Team. However there is widespread speculation in the press that renowned cricket coach from Harare Zimbabwe , Mr Haroon Nadat, is the favourite for this powerful position. Currently with Marlboro Cricket Club SA8 team who leads the league, Haroon has vast experience where the Proteas lack, which includes working on the pitch( which helped South Africa win the 4th Test against England) and his score-writing abilities( South Africa always struggle with the Duckworth Lewis calculations!!!)

However, the biggest plus point which puts Haroon, passionately known as 'Uncle' in pole position for the job is his ability to deal with powerful captains. Mickey Arthur had some controversial and well publicised run-ins with Graham Smith, which eventually led to his resignation. Uncle having coached another powerful captain in Rashaad Rawat, knows all too well about these situations. In a recent interview with Abed in the Sandton Chronicle, Uncle is reported to have said " The only way to deal with these characters is to help them throw their toys out the box!! "

Uncles contract with MCC expires in March, when negotiations will begin at the UCB. Rumours are widespread that the salary demanded by Mr Nadat will be one of 6 figures. Baker, the son of Uncle and also his agent has been brandishing figures to the media, expressing his view that Uncle be paid One Million Zim Dollars. However, UCB policy has always been not to pay their coaches in foreign currency!

For now, there will be strong focus on SA8 to clinch the league, thus making Uncle the bookies favourite for the position.

Come on lads, continue the good work and do uncle proud!!!