Domingo insists SA do not need mental coach

South Africa coach Russell Domingo insists they do not need a mental coach at the upcoming World Cup, where the Proteas will finally hope to win the big prize.

The South African team has a history of choking on the biggest stage in some of the most bizarre ways imaginable, but Domingo says the days of taking along a psychologist to big tournaments are long gone.

Instead the Proteas will focus on what has brought them their success so far before the tournament, and not try and dwell on past performances.

Domingo said: "I've tried to approach this World Cup as though we are approaching any other series. We've been playing really good cricket without the services of a mental coach over the last year and a bit, so why create the anxiety when we've been doing so well without it.

"This team is mentally in a better state than it's ever been. They've won games in high-pressure situations under different conditions at different venues. They've got a pride in performance, they are passionately led by a captain who plays with his heart on his sleeve.

"All the blocks are in place to overcome those mental challenges that we are going to face."

The global tournament gets underway on the 14 February in Australia and New Zealand, with South Africa's first match against neighbours Zimbabwe in Hamilton, New Zealand on the 15 February.

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