IN AN age when a playing career guarantees sheltered employment for former cricketers, regardless of their competence or lack thereof in real life, Russell Domingo has earned every job he has had.
His appointment as Gary Kirsten’s successor is no exception.
Kirsten has been the soul of the national team for the past two years, but Domingo has been the brain: Kirsten’s success is also his success.
Friday’s announcement that Kirsten would not take up Cricket SA’s offer to renew his contract, followed less than 24 hours later by Domingo’s unveiling, got Graeme Smith – back in Cape Town after being ruled out for up to six months with a stress fracture – thinking and tweeting.
“Had a huge amount to process this week with my ankle disappointment and Gary Kirsten stepping down,” Smith posted on the social network yesterday.
“Gary has had such a massive impact on SA cricket as a player, person and coach and he will definitely be missed by everyone.
“I would also like to congratulate Russell Domingo on his appointment. It’s an extremely proud day for him and his family.
“The last two years with Russell have been great and I’m looking forward to seeing how the Proteas grow under his guidance and leadership.”
Domingo, by his own admission, did not have the talent required to play cricket at a high level.
But those who can’t do end up teaching, and Domingo has been teaching for 16 years.
He has proved that, sometimes, the system works. From U13 teams to U19s, B teams, academies – EP and national – to the SA Schools’ XI and SA A, Domingo has coached them all.
For that, the game in the Eastern Cape should take a bow. Domingo was discovered (and sent off to learn the coaching craft in the SA dressingrooms presided over by Bob Woolmer and Graham Ford) and given the opportunity to develop his gift. To his credit Domingo took that opportunity, and took it seriously.
In six seasons with the Warriors he guided them to five finals and their first two titles, the one-day and T20 trophies, both in 2009-10.
And a good thing they did win those honours – when Domingo took over the franchise reins from Mickey Arthur in 2005 he told his players he wanted silverware within three years.
Despite spending the past two years in Kirsten’s shadow, Domingo has earned his respect with SA’s premier players through thorough planning, impeccable preparation and a knack for making sense of the avalanche of numbers cricket can’t help producing.
Domingo, 38, and his wife, Genevieve, are the parents of Kyle, 8, and Liam, 6.
He is only son among three children born to a father who worked in the motor trade and a school principal mother.
“Born and bred in PE,” is how Domingo describes himself. Gelvandale, which has also given SA cricket Garnett Kruger, Robin Peterson, Ashwell Prince, Alviro Petersen and Wayne Parnell, should be proud.
Domingo has earned his stripes
His appointment as Gary Kirsten’s successor is no exception.
Kirsten has been the soul of the national team for the past two years, but Domingo has been the brain: Kirsten’s success is also his success.
Friday’s announcement that Kirsten would not take up Cricket SA’s offer to renew his contract, followed less than 24 hours later by Domingo’s unveiling, got Graeme Smith – back in Cape Town after being ruled out for up to six months with a stress fracture – thinking and tweeting.
“Had a huge amount to process this week with my ankle disappointment and Gary Kirsten stepping down,” Smith posted on the social network yesterday.
“Gary has had such a massive impact on SA cricket as a player, person and coach and he will definitely be missed by everyone.
“I would also like to congratulate Russell Domingo on his appointment. It’s an extremely proud day for him and his family.
“The last two years with Russell have been great and I’m looking forward to seeing how the Proteas grow under his guidance and leadership.”
Domingo, by his own admission, did not have the talent required to play cricket at a high level.
But those who can’t do end up teaching, and Domingo has been teaching for 16 years.
He has proved that, sometimes, the system works. From U13 teams to U19s, B teams, academies – EP and national – to the SA Schools’ XI and SA A, Domingo has coached them all.
For that, the game in the Eastern Cape should take a bow. Domingo was discovered (and sent off to learn the coaching craft in the SA dressingrooms presided over by Bob Woolmer and Graham Ford) and given the opportunity to develop his gift. To his credit Domingo took that opportunity, and took it seriously.
In six seasons with the Warriors he guided them to five finals and their first two titles, the one-day and T20 trophies, both in 2009-10.
And a good thing they did win those honours – when Domingo took over the franchise reins from Mickey Arthur in 2005 he told his players he wanted silverware within three years.
Despite spending the past two years in Kirsten’s shadow, Domingo has earned his respect with SA’s premier players through thorough planning, impeccable preparation and a knack for making sense of the avalanche of numbers cricket can’t help producing.
Domingo, 38, and his wife, Genevieve, are the parents of Kyle, 8, and Liam, 6.
He is only son among three children born to a father who worked in the motor trade and a school principal mother.
“Born and bred in PE,” is how Domingo describes himself. Gelvandale, which has also given SA cricket Garnett Kruger, Robin Peterson, Ashwell Prince, Alviro Petersen and Wayne Parnell, should be proud.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos