Klusener withdraws from Proteas race to focus on Durban Super Giants

Lance Klusener says withdrawing for the role of Proteas white-ball coach has not distracted from his preparations for the Durban Super Giants’ opening SA20 fixture against Joburg Super Kings at Kingsmead on Wednesday (5.30pm).

The former SA all-rounder confirmed on Tuesday he had opted not to pursue his application for the national job which would have potentially seen him replace Mark Boucher in the hot seat.

Klusener, 51, was reportedly one of six candidates interviewed but there had been talk earlier in the week that he was no longer interested in the job.

The former Afghanistan mentor confirmed he had pulled the plug at a Super Giants presser in Durban on Tuesday saying he was now fully focused on SA’s inaugural T20 competition.

“I'm committed to the Super Giants now and I've actually withdrawn my application for the national team coaching position,” Klusener said.

“My focus is solely ... on the Super Giants and then obviously in the [various global] T20 leagues.”

It appears that Proteas interim coach Malibongwe Maketa, Richard Pybus, Shukri Conrad, Adrian Birrell and Rob Walter remain as candidates.

Shifting the conversation to Wednesday’s fixture, Klusener said Dwaine Pretorius’ retirement from international cricket was a blow to the Proteas.

“It is a big loss; he's probably SA's premier all-rounder at the moment,” Klusener said of the Super Giants player.

“But you know he's not getting any younger and there are lots of opportunities out there for him.

“I wish him all the best.”