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World Cup winning couch Gary Kirsten arrives back in Cape Town with his wife Deborah Kirsten. Picture: Henk Kruger

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Proteas coach Gary Kirsten plans to use a new, flexible coaching structure in his new job, which the Kirsten family hopes will allow them more time for one another.

One of Kirsten’s major concerns about taking up the job as South African cricket coach was having less time for his family.

His wife, Deborah, said they had spent a lot of time apart over the past few years while Kirsten was India’s coach. And while they would still have to travel often, she was confident they would now have balance in their lives.

“Gary would never have accepted the position unless we both felt sure about it and certain that we will be able to negotiate our way through the different challenges that it will present to us as a family,” she said.

“Gary is planning to institute a slightly more flexible coaching set-up and feels that he has great coaching support staff in the likes of Allan Donald and Russell Domingo.”

Gary Kirsten said the new coaching structure would empower the team’s other coaches.

“With me as team director, we have created some flexibility within the coaching structure which will empower the other coaches to take control of the team at times. Andy Flower, who is team director of English cricket, is attempting a similar process. It’s new to the cricket world, but hopefully it will create more balance for both of us,” said Kirsten.

The Cape Town-based Kirstens have two children, Joshua, 7, and James, 4.

Deborah Kirsten said they told their sons about their father’s new job straight after his appointment.

“Our youngest is too young to really understand what dad’s new job is about and to be honest, our eldest wasn’t particularly impressed - he asked if that meant that Gary would have to go away a lot.

“But I do know that he’s very proud of his daddy - he just hates being away from him.”

Gary Kirsten agreed: “All they are interested in is Dad spending more time at home. It will be important for me to honour that in whatever way I can.”

Kirsten will spend Fathers’ Day with his sons and has special “family time” planned for the school holidays.

Deborah Kirsten said that her husband’s new job would have a “huge influence” on the family’s lifestyle. They would travel more, have less routine and face a life in the public eye.

“I am naturally very open to travelling with the children when need be and I am also aware that time spent apart will be inevitable. But we will be sure to do whatever it takes to keep our family unit strong,” she said.

Gary Kirsten said that while coaching was his “passion and something I love doing”, there would always be pressure to meet expectations, as he had this year, leading India to victory at the cricket World Cup.

“This is a fresh challenge which I’m looking forward to. I will give everything I have got to help the players grow as people and improve as cricketers,” he said. - Weekend Argus

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