Cricket South Africa has named the Proteas support staff that will work under new head coach Shukri Conrad during the upcoming two-match Betway Test series against the West Indies.
Former Proteas batter and CSA High-Performance batting lead, Neil McKenzie will serve as a batting consultant for the two games, with the permanent batting coach set to be named at a later stage.
The series will be Charl Langeveldt’s last as bowling coach, before the newly-appointed Piet Botha takes up the role. Botha, who made 118 first-class appearances during his playing career, boasts 20 years of coaching experience across the South African cricket landscape, having previously coached the Dafabet Warriors, and most recently Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers. His credentials also include being a bowling consultant to the National Academy and South Africa A side.
Former New Zealand Test wicket-keeper and Momentum Proteas fielding coach, Kruger van Wyk has been appointed the full-time Test fielding coach.
Matthew Reuben and Sizwe Hadebe join the technical staff from the Momentum Multiply Titans as the respective performance analyst and physiotherapist, while Runeshan Moodley makes the step up from the Warriors to the national side as the strength and conditioning coach.
Director of Cricket Enoch Nkwe said: “We would like to thank Neil for committing himself to the series while the permanent appointment is being finalised. He and Shukri have a good working relationship, having previously coached together at SA Under-19 level, and we look forward to them combining for the first series in what is a new era for the Test side.
“Credit must be given to Charl and the role he has played in developing the Test bowling unit. Under his tutelage the Proteas attack has become one of the best in the world. As he ends his tenure with the Proteas, we would like to wish him all the best in his next chapter.
“We would also like thank former batting coach Justin Sammons and fielding coach Justin Ontong for their contributions to the national team over the last couple of years.”
Conrad added: “I am pleased to have Piet join the support staff. He has extensive coaching experience and has guided several promising players through the domestic pathway to higher honours. Having personally experienced what he has to offer as a coach during his time at the National Academy, I am looking forward to the opportunity of working closely with him at this level.
“Kruger has vast experience having worked across the South African cricket pipeline from club cricket to the national women’s team, and I am excited for him to bring this expertise to the men’s Test environment, along with the newly-appointed technical staff in Matthew, Sizwe and Runeshan.”
Proteas Team Management for the Betway Test Series against West Indies
Shukri Conrad (Head Coach), Khomotso Volvo Masubelele (Team Manager), Neil McKenzie (Batting Consultant), Charl Langeveldt (Bowling Coach), Kruger van Wyk (Fielding Coach), Matthew Reuben (Performance Analyst), Sizwe Hadebe (Physiotherapist), Runeshan Moodley (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Dr Hashendra Ramjee (Team Doctor), Kyle Botha (Logistics and Masseur), Zunaid Wadee (Security), Lucy Davey (Media Manager).
Fixtures
28 February – 04 March at 10:00
South Africa vs West Indies – SuperSport Park, Centurion
08 – 12 March at 10:00
South Africa vs West Indies – DP World Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
Photo by Richard Huggard/Gallo Images
