Gibson appointed South Africa head coach

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (CMC) – Former Barbados and West Indies seamer, Ottis Gibson, was on Thursday appointed the new head coach of South Africa.
The 48-year-old Gibson has inked a two-year contract which will see him preside over the Proteas until the end of the 2019 Cricket World Cup in England.
“After following a rigorous process, we are delighted to welcome Ottis Gibson as the new head coach for the Proteas,” said Cricket South Africa’s Chief Executive, Haroon Lorgat.
“His playing and coaching credentials are impressive and that will place the Proteas in good hands as we move towards a big home summer with both India and Australia visiting us.
“Having spent a great part of his playing career in South Africa, Ottis is familiar with our country and that should help him to settle in quickly with our national team.”
Gibson is currently the England bowling coach but will be released from his duties following the end of the ongoing three-Test series against West Indies.
He took up the role for the second time last year after previously serving in the position between 2007 and 2010.
Gibson also served as head coach of West Indies for four years, leading them to the capture of the Twenty20 World Cup in 2012, before being axed in 2014.
“I am delighted to embark on this new chapter in my coaching career and I would like to thank Cricket South Africa for giving me this opportunity and the England and Wales Cricket Board for their understanding of my position,” said Gibson, who played extensively in South Africa for Border, Gauteng and Northern Cape during his career.
“I have spent a number of happy times in South Africa as a player and I am now looking forward to return as a coach.”
Gibson, a former right-arm fast bowler, played two Tests and 15 One-Day Internationals for West Indies between 1995 and 1999.
He finished with 659 first class wickets overall.