Ottis Gibson set to be South Africa's next coach, says Faf du Plessis

Ottis Gibson appears set to become South Africa coach

South Africa captain Faf du Plessis says it has been communicated to his players that Ottis Gibson is the preferred candidate to take over as coach.

Du Plessis made the revelation on South Africa's return home from the 3-1 Test series defeat in England, for whom Gibson is currently employed as bowling coach.

England had put talk of Gibson's possible exit on hold before the series finale at Old Trafford, which they won by 177 runs to ensure outright series victory.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) had convened a selection panel including former national team coaches Gary Kirsten and Eric Simons to identify an individual to take the team forward, and it would appear they have decided on the former West Indies coach.

"It's been told to us that the decision has been made by the coaching panel," Du Plessis said.

Du Plessis could do little to stop England claiming series victory at Old Trafford

"They've chosen Ottis Gibson as their recommendation and now ...the board decides whether they want to use that recommendation or not.

"For me it was important, because I don't know Ottis, to try and find something out about him.

Highlights from day four of the fourth Test between England and South Africa at Old Trafford. Highlights from day four of the fourth Test between England and South Africa at Old Trafford.

"I spoke to a few of the West Indian players because he was their coach and then I spoke to the English guys about their thoughts on him.

"There were one or two differences in opinion, but the comments were positive."