Another 'big name' in fray for SA coaching job

Cricket South Africa chief Gerald Majola has revealed that another "big name" has evinced interest in becoming the national team coach a few days after current India coach Gary Kirsten's name did the rounds.

Present coach Corrie van Zyl will step down in less than three months after the World Cup.

Kirsten, a former South African opener, was the overwhelming favourite till now for the post. Kirsten's contract with the BCCI will expire sometime after the World Cup.

Majola said CSA on Thursday decided to extend the deadline for applications for the post by a month.

"We weren't completely satisfied with the number of applications that we had received by the weekend, and that is why we wanted to extend the search," Majola said.

"Another big name has in addition asked that his late application be considered, as he wasn't aware of the initial deadline."

Applications will now close on February 18, a day before cricket's biggest showpiece on the sub-continent (in India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh) begins.

A panel consisting of, amongst others, Majola, Van Zyl and national selection chief, Andrew Hudson, will begin with interviews shortly afterwards.

"There is no rush and at least another five highly-regarded coaches have applied (on Thursday)," said Majola.

Majola didn't reveal who they were or whether Kirsten had added his name to the mix.

"It is a confidential process, and it wouldn't be fair to any of the applicants to reveal who had been in contact."

What I can say, is that the decision to extend the application date has nothing to do with Gary."