Russell Domingo: Switching SA20 and domestic cricket allegiances is ‘no train smash’
Russell Domingo, Lions coach, emphasises his commitment to his team despite coaching the Sunrisers Eastern Cape in the SA20, highlighting the seamless transition between roles and the importance of player performance for playing opportunities. Picture: Michael Sherman/IOL
Image: Michael Sherman/IOL
Like many players and some management in domestic South African cricket, switching allegiances is now commonplace and Lions coach Russell Domingo has explained it is much simpler than imagined.
Last week, Domingo took up his position as Sunrisers Eastern Cape (SEC) coach at the SA20 Player Auction.
On Thursday, their season launch, Domingo left his SEC regalia in his cupboard and had his Lions cricket cap firmly in place.
Asked if it was difficult to jump between the sides, Domingo was emphatic in his response.
Domingo Affirms Loyalty to His Team and Focus on Lions Success
“No, it's pretty straightforward, I think. My allegiance, my main job, and my passion and my love is this particular team,” Domingo said.
“They see me here for 10 months of the year, and this is sort of where all my work takes place. So those are nice competitions to be part of.
“But this is my team, and this is the team that I run and manage for the entire year. So it's no major train smash; it's the same for players. Some guys are playing in different teams; they come back, they know if they want to get into those leagues, they've got to do well for the Lions.”
get into those leagues, they've got to do well for the Lions.”
Domingo’s Influence in Securing Lions Players for SEC
“We’ve got a good thing going here, and I love being here and I love working with the players. I’ve got an amazing support staff and amazing management. So yeah, it’s no major train smash for me.
“No, I think we’re very fortunate; quite a few of the Lions players have been taken up in the SA20, which says that there are some good players coming through the system.
“The couple coming down to the Eastern Cape with me, which has been cool because we sort of know each other and it’s nice to work with those sorts of guys. But that’s not on top of my list at the moment. My focus is our first 4-day game, which takes place in two weeks’ time in Cape Town, and we know it’s going to be a tough one.”