Bob Woolmer is not yet lost to South African cricket and can still play a very important role in the development of the game in the country.

Managing Director of the UCBSA Dr Ali Bacher, who has a high regard for Woolmer's ability as a coach, has indicated that he wants the UCB to retain him in the local system. At a meeting between the two in Johannesburg this week it was proposed that Woolmer undertakes a three-pronged campaign that will involve the identification of emerging talent at age-group level, fast-tracking black cricketers from provincial to international level and the liaison with provincial coaches at senior, Bowl and U-19 level.

``His main thrust will be from September to December and from January to March he will be planning for the following year. He will be putting down a few ideas in the next week or so, which I will take to our executive committee at their meeting on July 24 for their consideration and approval. From a technical point of view, he is the best coach in the game.'' Dr Bacher said.

Woolmer has accepted a coaching position with English county side Warwickshire, which will not interfere with his new portfolio. Woolmer has also indicated his love for South Africa and will be spending six months of the year with his family in Cape Town.

The terms of the new contract have not been finalised but it is expected that Woolmer will be included in the coaching staff for a training camp for black cricketers already playing provincial cricket to be run by new national coach Graham Ford in September.

Woolmer is also in the process of setting up a special cricket facility in Cape Town involving a new training system that fits in perfectly with his new portfolio ``... practice to become better quicker.''