'Retiring' Kirsten hopes to 'go out with a bang' with Proteas' Champions Trophy win

Outgoing South African coach Gary Kirsten has said that he wants to leave his post with a 'bang' by winning the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy.

Determined to end his coaching tenure in the best possible way following his decision not to renew his contract with the Proteas earlier this month, Kirsten said that he hopes for a successful outcome at the Champions Trophy to end his career with a 'bang', Sport24 reports.

After steering his team to the number one ranking in Test cricket, Kirsten was also eager to leave with a major title in the shorter form of the game.

Expressing his faith in his Proteas squad, Kirsten said that although the squad is talented and hard working, they need to play well in tournaments like the Champions Trophy, adding that they also need luck to come through in pressure situations.

However, Kirsten acknowledged that South Africa faced a difficult challenge after being grouped with India, Pakistan and the West Indies in a tough Group B as they have suffered the loss of key players Jacques Kallis and Graeme Smith.

But he backed the prowess of the Proteas squad, saying that he has confidence in the players who will take over.