Kirsten said the 27-year-old De Villiers is the best candidate to lead in the ODIs and Twenty20. He succeeds Smith, who continues to lead the Test side.
Kirsten guided India to their first World Cup victory and also elevated them to top Test side before taking up the job with Cricket South Africa. One of the reasons of his success with India was his relationship with skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who he regarded as "the best captain in the world".
He is hoping to create the same relationship with both De Villiers and Smith.
"I am really looking forward to it (dual captaincy). I think is a positive step for South African cricket. They are both experienced, talented cricketers and there is no reason to suggest why it won't be successful. As time wears on, we will work on the relationship and the trust involved," Kirsten was quoted as saying in The Star.
Kirsten said he will be speaking to De Villiers in detail over his new responsibility as there has only been time for "one conversation about it and we will talk about it further".
Published 07 June 2011, 15:22 IST