Central Districts Stags coach Heinrich Malan has brought in a young wave of cricketers and with it, success. So he's perfect to go up against El Niche Cache.

Explain the coaching pathway that you took in South Africa...

I worked at the University of Pretoria for seven years where I held various positions; player, player/coach and specialist coach. Moved to Northerns Cricket Union to the role of Coaching Manager for two years before moving to Easterns Cricket Union where I was Academy Head Coach for six months before taking charge of the First-Class team from 2011-2013.

You took a chance in applying to coach Central Districts back in 2013, why did you decide that this was the right move for you at that time?

The main motivation was to get an opportunity at the next level. I had a young family at the time (my daughter is now 4yrs and we have a Kiwi-born son who is 3 months old) so the timing was perfect to explore our options.

What was a major/minor change that you brought in during those first 6-12 months in charge?

We challenged the conventional way of thinking with regards to being a professional cricketer and what that means if you want to succeed at the next level.

How would you describe your coaching style?

Organised. Intense but fair. Passionate to see players develop and showcase their skills on the big stage.

Coaching is at an interesting stage with so much technology and data now available, so how do you juggle those changes with more 'old school' aspects of coaching like trusting your eye and inter-personal skills?

Communication plays a key part in a player-centred/coach-driven environment. As a squad we cover of the basic skills work around batting, bowling and fielding and it becomes the individual's responsibility (as part of their skills unit - batting, bowling, fielding) to cover off their 'homework' using technology/data with regards opposition analysis & potential match-ups etc.

You have overseen a bit of a change at CD with a talented young cluster of players coming into the squad, was that a difficult transition to make having worked with a strong group of veterans when you started?

Yes and no. Loosing experienced players was always going to be tough but we have bridged that transition phase now and I am looking forward to see what heights this group can achieve over the next couple of seasons.

That included giving Will Young the captaincy - what made him the perfect candidate?

As a respected leader in our group, William is a man of few words who leads exemplary through his actions.

What do you view as a weakness of your coaching that you are trying to improve?

With the STAGS' hectic schedule of travel, train, play, repeat – being in the now, reviewing what needs to be done and not looking too far ahead.

How would you improve the schedule/format of the domestic season?

The current schedule is the best we have had over the last four years, having 20/20 over the December holidays period seemed to engage our supporters which is exciting to see.

I'm rather excited by the talent coming through kiwi cricket - is there a common factor you have noticed in the younger players at CD and around Aotearoa?

Fear of failure is no more with these young players. They know that things can move quickly from playing domestic cricket to Blackcaps to getting a gig in the IPL – which is pretty exciting all-round.

What's your favourite training drill that finds its way into most of your trainings?

We mix things up regularly to keep the players engaged and challenged, the only prerequisite to trainings are INTENSITY!

How have you gone about building your coaching staff?

We have assembled a great management group responsible for their own area – general manager, strength & conditioning coach, physio, psychologist and specialist coaches. The key for us is to constantly challenge each other, ensuring that we keep evolving as staff while the squad mature and perform.

How do you juggle coaching and family life?

Through unbelievable support from my wife who is the cornerstone of our family holding everything together when I get immersed in my job. Luckily the home/family-life balance works itself out during the off-season when I get to do the regular husband chores.

What are some perks of your job that we as fans wouldn't expect?

As a family man first and foremost, my family has been able to travel with me at certain times when we are away from home for extended periods.

What advice would you give to a young coach who has aspirations to climb the coaching ladder?

Steal everything you can with your eyes (learn from everyone) and see how you can make what you have learned applicable to the group you work with.

What is the most important coaching lesson you have learned in your career?

Don’t take anything too personal and enjoy the ride!