South Africa appoint Wandile Gwavu as white-ball fielding coach

Wandile Gwavu has been appointed as the white-ball fielding coach of South Africa. Notably, he started his coaching career in the Eastern Cape nearly ten years ago. 

Gwavu was brought into the national set-up to manage the fielding practice for the series against the Netherlands and the West Indies in the last season. The 36-year-old will now work under Rob Walter, who was appointed earlier this year, and batting coach JP Duminy.

According to the Proteas Director of Cricket Enoch Nkwe, fielding has become a key aspect of every successful team due to narrow margins and the ever-increasing stakes in 50-over and T20 cricket. He went on to say that management is confident that Gwavu's experience will assist the Proteas retain their excellent legacy of fielding brilliance in both formats of the game.

“With the fine margins and the ever-increasing stakes in 50-over and T20 cricket, fielding has become a critical part of any successful team and we strongly believe Wandile’s expertise will help the Proteas maintain their strong tradition of fielding excellence across both formats. He brings a wealth of experience at the highest level in South African cricket with a coaching career that speaks volumes," Enoch Nwke said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

South Africa qualify for ICC World Cup 2023

South Africa finally managed to qualify for the World Cup tournament to be held later this year in India. The Aiden Markram-led side won the series against the Netherlands at home recently and had their eyes hooked on the Ireland and Bangladesh series. 

After the first ODI between Ireland and Bangladesh got washed out due to bad weather in Chelmsford, even if Ireland go on the win the series they won't be able to go past South Africa (who are currently eighth on the Super League points table). Hence, Ireland will have to feature in the ten-team qualifying tournament that will take place in Zimbabwe.