Tangaroa eyes Black Sox job

Hawke's Bay softball legend Chubb Tangaroa (pictured) will apply for the Black Sox head coach role this month.

"More than likely," was Tangaroa's reply last night when asked if he will have a crack at the job vacated by Auckland's Eddie Kohlhase.

A four-time world champion with the Black Sox (one as a player and three as pitching coach), he is the logical choice.

"Dave was going to apply up until last Saturday night but has decided not to," Tangaroa said.

"I'm the only one left from this year's World Series coaching staff and it's important we build on those systems and game plan."

Havelock North's Tangaroa, 50, who played for the Black Sox from 1984-2000 believes the Black Sox have the necessary ammunition to retain the World Series title at Saskatoon, Canada in 2015.

"At this stage Thomas [Makea], Jarrad [Martin] and Paddy [Patrick Shannon] are the only players who have retired. I'm a bit worried more might decide to call it quits if there isn't some continuity among the coaching staff," Tangaroa said.

He resigned from the Black Sox pitching coach role after the March World Series. Applications for the head coach role close on May 24, and Softball New Zealand hope to announce the successful applicant by the middle of next month. Before the March title, Kohlhase coached the Black Sox to second place at the 2009 World Series.