South Africa appoint Malibongwe Maketa as interim coach

South Africa have announced that 42-year-old Malibongwe Maketa will be their interim head coach after the T20 World Cup, starting with the three-match Test tour of Australia. Mark Boucher’s time as the Proteas head coach will end after the T20 World Cup, with the former cricketer taking the position of head coach with the Mumbai Indians. 

Maketa has played just two games in his professional career but thus far has been an influential figure in the South African setup. He was the assistant head coach of the side between 2017-19 and was also part of the Proteas setup where he was a consultant during the four-day warm-up match against the England Lions side. In addition, he was also part of the team’s staff for the first Test at Lord’s in August. 

"We are pleased to name Malibongwe as our interim coach to lead the Proteas in Australia. He is a familiar face to the environment and has worked in the same space previously when he served as assistant coach," said Director of Cricket Enoch Nkwe. 

"Mali knows most of the players well; they know him too; and with such a short time between now and the tour, we as Cricket South Africa felt we needed someone who could step in immediately and lead us through what is an important series for the Proteas."

"We would like to wish him well on his appointment. He has our full support, and we have no doubt he will do South Africans proud in this series."