Western Province Cricket Club batsman Derek Mitchell has been appointed Excelsior’20 player-coach ahead of the 2024 Topklasse – the leading domestic competition in the Netherlands.
Mitchell is currently the third-highest run-scorer in the 2023-24 Western Province Cricket Association premier league. He was last season’s WPCA premier league leading run-scorer.
“After a disappointing season for both the first and second teams, the Excelsior’20 Cricket Board is taking important steps for the upcoming season, in line with the recently presented policy plan,” read a statement from the club.
“The coaching staff is being strengthened by attracting 36-year-old Derek Mitchell from South Africa. Derek has been hired as head coach and player.
“The board had advertised the role locally and abroad in recent months. At Excelsior’20, Derek will lead the coaching of all the teams.
“After approving the required residence and work permits, we will welcome Derek to Schiedam at the beginning of April 2024.
“Netherlands head coach Ryan Cook and assistant coach Ryan van Niekerk gave Derek praising references during his application.”
Excelsior’20 won the Topklasse title in 2019, 2017, 2016 and 2015.