Exclusive: New Era for Proteas Selection as Patrick Moroney Joins CSA to Lead Team Picks

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has confirmed the appointment of Patrick Moroney as the new Convenor of Selectors for the Proteas, ending a two-year vacancy in one of the most pivotal roles in the national setup. He will report to Director of Cricket Enoch Nkwe.

With a career in CSA structures dating back to 2001, Moroney brings decades of experience to a position that has been left unfilled since Victor Mpitsang’s departure in 2023. His first assignment will be overseeing selections for South Africa’s upcoming white-ball tour of Australia, which includes both T20I and ODI series. 

“It was quite a rigorous process,” Moroney said following his appointment. 

“We had interviews…I won’t lie, it was quite tough. I’m not sure who all the competition was, but I’m very happy to have been appointed.”

“I’ve had the privilege to be part of the setup in a different role before. Now, stepping into this one, I’m really looking forward to what lies ahead.”

The Conrad Factor: No Longer a Lone Decision-Maker

When Shukri Conrad was appointed as head coach of the national men’s side, he initially chose to operate without a convenor of selectors. That decision sparked discussions about autonomy and oversight in team selection. However, Conrad has since welcomed Moroney’s appointment, acknowledging the value of having a collaborative partner in selection matters.

“I’ve worked with Shuks at Under-19 level. He’s always done things his own way and preferred to pick his own team,” Moroney shared. “But as it happened, he’s quite comfortable working with me. We’ve always had a solid working relationship.”

“We may have different views walking into the room, but we’ll come out with one collective decision. That’s important. At the end of the day, we’re South Africans and we are resilient people," Moroney told SportsBoom.co.za. 

A Professional Relationship Built on Honesty and Respect

Moroney emphasized the strong relationship between himself and Conrad, underscoring a no-nonsense approach that prioritizes transparency and shared goals.

“We’re both the kind of guys who cut straight to the chase...we don’t beat around the bush,” he said. 

“That said, there’s a mutual respect for the roles we play. And that’s crucial.”

Their partnership will be tested immediately in the upcoming Australian tour, where decisions around team balance, youth development, and player workloads will be under scrutiny.

Strategic Vision and Long-Term Goals

While Moroney’s short-term task is team selection for the tour down under, his broader vision includes strengthening the pipeline of talent in South African cricket.

“The plan, ultimately, is to pick the best possible teams and ensure we remain competitive across all formats,” he explained. 

“But more fundamentally, it’s about ensuring a consistent flow of players from our domestic system into the national setup.”

“In the spin department, for example, there are a few older names still around. We need to be deliberate in creating a pathway for new talent.”

Moroney’s approach signals a return to structured succession planning, something critics have felt CSA has lacked in recent years.