Kallis replaces Boje as vice-captain

The new role should keep Jacques Kallis on his toes © Getty Images

The South African board has announced that Jacques Kallis will replace Nicky Boje as vice-captain for the next year. At the same time, Graeme Smith was re-appointed as captain for the next two years, which will take South Africa beyond the 2007 World Cup.

"The appointment of a world class allrounder like Kallis as vice-captain will add much value to the team effort," said Gerald Majola, the board's chairman. "The extension of Graeme's contract for another two years shows the faith we have in his abilities to lead the team from the front," he continued. "He has brought commitment and a will to win and that augurs well for the future. We are confident he will take the team up the world rankings in both Tests and ODI's, and present a formidable challenge at the World Cup."

The other major change was that Mustapha Khan, a former national player from KwaZulu-Natal, replaced Enver Mall on the selection panel. Mell has taken over as CEO of KwaZulu Natal cricket. Haroon Lorgat, originally added to the group, will continue officially in his capacity as chairman with Joubert Strydom as the third man on the panel. The trio will be joined by Smith and national coach Micky Arthur.

Majola also announced the appointment of Vintcent van der Bijl as professional cricket general manager. "His appointment is part of our strategic plan to achieve the vision of making South African cricket a truly representative nation of winners," he explained. "Vince has cricket in his heart and his head. He will be an asset to the professional structures we have in place. He will be reporting directly to me and will concentrate on professional playing affairs in terms of our strategic plans."

AB de Villiers was also added to the list of centrally contracted players.