12 May 2013

Domingo to replace Kirsten as South Africa coach

11:26 am on 12 May 2013

Russell Domingo has been handed the huge task of taking over from World Cup winner Gary Kirsten as the new coach of South Africa's cricket team.

Domingo was promoted from his position as assistant less than 24 hours after Kirsten announced he would not be taking up an offer to renew his contract when it ends in August, sending shockwaves through South African sport.

Domingo, 38, will be given a two-year contract from August and while stressing the importance of continuity, acknowledged that the challenge of replacing Kirsten was like taking over from Alex Ferguson as the manager of Manchester United.

Kirsten, who led India to a World Cup win in 2011, took over as South Africa coach later that same year and has steered the Proteas to the top of the test rankings.

He said he wanted to spend more time with his young family as his reason for quitting the post.