NEIL MANTHORP, Johannesburg | Thursday 5.00pm.
SOUTH African cricket captain Hansie Cronje has created huge doubt over his international future by accepting a two year deal to coach Glamorgan in the English county championship.
“I’m in the process of concluding the deal with Glamorgan chief executive Mike Fatkin,” Cronje said on Thursday.
“It just seemed like a golden opportunity to spend six months of the year with my wife while accepting a very exciting challenge and keepin my career going. Coaching wasn’t in my thoughts until very recently but I’m extremely excited about the prospect,” Cronje said.
He will take up his post at the beginning of April next season which puts him in danger of missing – or not being selected for – South Africa’s three-test tour of Sri Lanka in July and August.
“I haven’t spoken to Dr Bacher yet,” Cronje admitted. “When the deal is signed and concluded then we will discuss the tour and my future.”
“As for the second season (at Glamorgan), I think it’s fair to say that is a very long way in the future for a player of 30 that has played as much as I have,” Cronje said.
Although a great believer in correct technique and hard work, Cronje hopes to offer the Welsh county the benefit of his experience in other areas.
“I’ve played a lot of international cricket and I’ve learned a lot about mental strength, physical preparation and how to be competitive.
Glamorgan have done well in recent times and with Jacques (Kallis) playing another season next year I’m very optimistic for more success.”
Cronje was re-appointed captain of the national side for two tests against Zimbabwe in October and November but only for the first two of five tests against England for the rest of the southern summer.–MWP