Former Proteas batsman and Western Province coach Ashwell Prince is back in South Africa after a short stint with Bangladesh, sparking speculation that he might apply for the role of director of cricket role with Cricket South Africa.
Graeme Smith’s tenure as director of cricket has been marred by controversy – from the process to appoint him to the revelations of alleged discrimination during his time as national team captain.
Cricket South Africa’s Social Justice and Nation Building Hearings have created the impression that the board’s efforts to transform the game in South Africa have been frustrated.
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Champion of change required
With CSA set for more reforms in the boardroom, they could certainly do with appointing a champion of transformation to the role of director of cricket.
Despite some success on the field under the guidance of the Smith-Mark Boucher axis, CSA are unlikely to extend the former captain’s tenure in the crucial role.
Prince has extensive coaching experience and has had to navigate the politics of cricket throughout his career – both playing and non-playing.
While his tenure as coach of Western Province was largely devoid of trophies, the team produced several Proteas – and he was respected by those in his charge.
Prince has the drive to push CSA’s transformation agenda forward, having already stated that it is his desire to see an integrated and united South African cricket system.
No window dressing needed
He has opposed window dressing the Proteas team to cover up a lack of real transformation at grassroots level – and admitted that there is no ready solution for the problems facing the sport.
Prince is prepared to, in his own words, have “tough, honest, uncomfortable conversations“.
While the former Test opener has a strong set of ideals, he remains rooted in reality, sometimes to the point that he can come across as cynical.
Like Smith, Prince is renowned for being a hardnosed competitor and, as a coach, has been brutally honest with players.
He will almost certainly have his opponents and detractors within cricket and the media, but is a strong candidate for the role, especially if CSA are serious about inclusivity, non-racialism, and real change.