Simons named as new South African coach

Former one-day international Eric Simons was duly confirmed as South Africa's new coach on Monday, fitting into the role vacated by Graham Ford who was sacked by the United Cricket Board at the beginning of this month.

The 40-year-old Simons will have Shaun Pollock to work with as captain of the South African team. Pollock, whose captaincy came in for criticism during the summer Test series against Australia, has been retained as captain as South Africa head towards next year's World Cup.

Also retained are vice-captain Mark Boucher, assistant coach Corrie van Zyl and manager Goolam Rajah while Andrew Grey will continue to function as team fitness trainer. A new physiotherapist, to replace Craig Smith who was dismissed along with Ford, has still to be named.

"I feel particularly honoured that the UCB has placed its confidence in me. I am really excited about the challenges that lie ahead and I fully understand the incredible responsibilities that go with this job," said Simons, who played 23 one-day internationals for South Africa during the mid-1990s and has spent the last two season co-coaching Western Province with Vincent Barnes.

"Eric received very strong support from the General Council (of the United Cricket Board) as the new national coach. He has superb people management skills as well as international experience and the necessary technical abilities that we believe will give the national team the best possible preparation for the challenges that lie ahead. The National Cricket Committee has emphasized that the coach must fill a major leadership role in the team and must take ultimate responsibility for the team's performance, work ethic and discipline. We feel that Eric is the man for the job and we are very proud to announce his appointment," said UCB chief executive Gerald Majola.

Simons' first duties will be to work with the National Cricket Committee to work on strategies for the coming summer. As coach he takes up an automatic position on the committee.

"I believe that in this management structure we have a team of leaders and technical experts who can not only prepare the South African team, but lead them in their quest to win the World Cup at home next year," said Majola.