Former Proteas fast bowler Mornantau Hayward has been named head coach of Pinetown Cricket Club.
Hayward played 16 Tests and 21 ODIs between 1998 and 2004. The highlight of his career was, arguably, a telling five-wicket haul in victory over a strong Pakistan unit in the first Test at Kingsmead in Durban, 2002.
Previously coached by the veteran James Pentz, who has since joined Crusaders Cricket Club, Pinetown Cricket Club occupied third position in the 2016-17 KwaZulu-Natal Cricket Union premier league, after eight wins in 18 attempts.
Crusaders Cricket Club, meanwhile, beat them to Momentum National Club Championship and inaugural Multiply T20 Community Cup representation.
“Following our recent AGM, having looked at where we want to be as a club, I approached Nantie. He comes highly recommended by former Proteas coach Graham Ford – and former Dolphins coach Phil Russell,” Pinetown Cricket Club chairman Marco Chixaro told Club Cricket SA.
“Nantie also played a key role in the development of one of our current Dolphins players Robbie Frylinck, and we look forward to having his expertise on hand to help take our team to the next level.”
The 32-year-old Frylinck is currently with the Trinbago Knight Riders in the Caribbean Premier League.
“I have been waiting for something like this for ages. I have put in some good performances in limited-overs cricket for a while – and when I got the call-up I was quick to take the opportunity,” said Frylinck.
“To be involved in an international tournament is one of the most exciting things for me – and to play and mix with some of the best players in the world will be great for me.
“When you mix with these sorts of players, your game can only improve – and hopefully I can bring that back before the start of the season.”