Kirsten keen to hire Rhodes, Upton

Former India coach Gary Kirsten is in the hunt for top-class support staff for the South African team and keen to rope in mental conditioning expert Paddy Upton and legendary fielder Jonty Rhodes.

Kirsten, who was appointed the Proteas' new coach last week, said he is looking to employ his former teammate and fielding star Rhodes and world renowned sports psychologist Upton, who was with him in the coaching staff of the World Cup-winning Indian team.

The 41-year-old Rhodes was the Proteas' fielding coach in the past. He was also used by Kenya in a similar role at the recent World Cup besides being the fielding coach of IPL team Mumbai Indians.

Russel Domingo has already been appointed Kirsten's assistant, with Allan Donald taking charge of the bowlers.

"I believe there is enough knowledge and skill within the side not to employ another person permanently, but we will use so called specialists in specific areas," said Kirsten.

"Jonty is definitely part of our plans -- and we could use him as a consultant if our fielding needs attention," he was quoted as saying by Sport24.

"The same applies for Paddy. I would also really like to use him on a part-time basis."