Sandile Masengemi has replaced Richard Das Neves as Easterns head coach, ahead of South Africa’s 2021-22 domestic season.
Das Neves had held the role since 2017 after succeeding former Easterns head coach Andre Nel – and won three titles in four seasons.
In 2020, Das Neves was named Cricket South Africa’s Coach of the Year.
“The players are not happy that he hasn’t been retained. I wasn’t happy myself,” batsman Kabelo Sekhukhune, who was coached by Das Neves at Easterns but has since been contracted by Eastern Province, told Rapport.
Masengemi previously worked with Gauteng – and was the team manager for the Jozi Stars in the Mzansi Super League.
Bongani Ndaba, meanwhile, has taken over from Bodibe as assistant coach.
Easterns have been placed in the second division of the country’s new domestic structure. Provincial has replaced franchise cricket.
Easterns squad for 2021-22 season
- Grant Thompson
- Matthew Arnold
- Sizwe Masondo
- Tumelo Simelane
- Jurie Snyman
- Sinehlanhla Zwane
- Ryan Cartwright
- Wesley Coulentianos
- Clayton August
- Khwezi Gumede