CORRIE van Zyl has ruled himself out of the running to become South Africa’s permanent coach, meaning there will be a new man in place after the World Cup. The 49-year-old was initially appointed on an interim basis following the shock resignation of Mickey Arthur in January, before his stay was extended until the end of next year’s finals on the sub-continent.
Van Zyl believes he has more to offer in grooming players for the international stage, rather than working with them on it, and said: “I was originally appointed by CSA (Cricket South Africa) at the high performance centre and really enjoyed it.
It was a full-time appointment, but the main reason is that it’s a job in which I believe I can make a long-term difference to South African cricket.”
He added: “It’s an unbelievable feeling to coach the Proteas and the ultimate accolade to do it in a World Cup season.
“We’re putting everything into making the World Cup season a success.
“The decision does not affect my passion to leave no stone unturned in attempting to win the World Cup.
“I just believe I can do more for CSA at the high performance centre in the long term.”
Van Zyl has already informed CSA of his decision, with the body’s chief executive officer, Gerald Majola, confirming the two spoke after the tour to the Caribbean ended in late June.
Majola said: “He informed me shortly after the team’s return from the West Indies that he would not be applying again. It was only right that I confirmed with him as the incumbent in the position before the job was advertised.
“He will return to his previous role as coach at the high performance centre.”