Patrick Moroney isn’t someone you’ll often spot wearing a stiff suit or flaunting corporate flair—and that’s precisely why his appointment offers hope. In a decision that might otherwise have spelled doom for South African cricket, Cricket South Africa (CSA) has surprisingly chosen someone who fits the spirit of the game, not the politics of the boardroom.
Moroney was officially named as the new convenor selector for the Proteas men’s team on Thursday, with his three-year contract starting August 1. While the title may sound bureaucratic, the man behind it is anything but. This is not a “suit” parachuted in from a boardroom—Moroney has lived and breathed the sport from the grassroots up.
A Cricket Man, Not a Boardroom Pawn
According to the CSA’s release, Moroney will report directly to Director of National Teams and High Performance Enoch Nkwe, and work closely with head coach Shukri Conrad. That connection alone lends credibility to the decision. Nkwe has been the quiet architect behind many of South Africa’s recent successes, while Conrad, currently CSA’s most capable figure, masterminded the country’s WTC final triumph.
Much like Nkwe and Conrad, Moroney has risen through the ranks, having worked as a high school sports director, talent scout, and selection convenor at multiple levels. His resume spans CSA’s academy, youth setups, and the Lions franchise. His appointment signals a move back to selection panels, but at least it’s led by someone with real experience and credibility.
Fans on Jeetbuzz are already discussing how this appointment could bring balance back to the selection process—provided it isn’t undermined by future missteps from the board.
A Step Backwards — or the Right Man for a Flawed System?
The irony is hard to ignore. South Africa reached their first senior men’s World Cup final under a one-man selection system led solely by white-ball coach Rob Walter. The team that won the World Test Championship final under Shukri Conrad was also a product of coach-only selection.
And now, CSA’s board has decided to revert to a three-member panel system, the same setup scrapped in January 2023. History suggests this may be a misstep, but if selectors are inevitable, Moroney might just be the best choice in a flawed structure.
It’s also been confirmed that a third selector—independent from the coaching staff—will soon be appointed. If CSA’s track record is any indicator, getting that choice right may be less likely. But for now, Moroney’s presence brings some reassurance.
Moroney Is a Stabilizing Force Amid CSA’s Boardroom Chaos
Why celebrate Moroney’s appointment when the system around him remains broken? Because, unlike many of the political actors sitting on the board, he represents the game’s best interests. Alongside figures like Nkwe, Conrad, and Eddie Khoza—CSA’s executive for domestic cricket—Moroney helps hold the sport together despite misgovernance from provincial presidents.
His reputation isn’t built on slogans or boardroom lobbying. It’s built on decades of quietly serving the game. That’s why, when news of his appointment spread, one seasoned insider messaged him with a single line: “Thank God it’s you.” Not congratulations. Not fanfare. Just relief that the position wasn’t handed to a faceless administrator in a suit.
On forums like Jeetwin, many South African fans echo this sentiment—wary of the board, but cautiously optimistic about Moroney’s ability to keep the team’s priorities front and center.
A Glimmer of Hope in a System That Needs Reform
So, while the move back to selection panels is controversial, Moroney’s appointment may still offer South African cricket a degree of steadiness. Whether the rest of the system supports him or sabotages his efforts remains to be seen.
And if nothing else, at least South Africa hasn’t ended up with another “damn fool suit.” For once, common sense appears to have prevailed—even if only partially.