Former Proteas Test opener Heino Kuhn retires from professional cricket, joins Netherlands coaching staff

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Heino KuhnHeino Kuhn.

Posted By: Editorial February 19, 2023

Former Proteas batsman Heino Kuhn has retired from professional cricket.

Kuhn played four Tests and seven T20Is from 2009 to 2017 before forging a career in English county cricket with Kent – and later returned to South Africa.

North West’s first-class fixture against Western Province in Potchfestroom this and next week will be Kuhn’s last.

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What Kuhn said

“I felt that it was the right time to retire. Ending my career on my new home field in Potchefstroom will be fitting,” Kuhn told the Potchefstroom Herald.

“When I decided to join the North West Dragons in 2021, I felt that I could really help the franchise with my experience and make a difference from a leadership role.

“It is an amazing job to play cricket for a living. You see different parts of the world. I believe the most important part is just to enjoy cricket and not to take it for granted. Play with a smile on your face.”

Time at Kent

Kuhn played 189 first-class matches after debuting in 2005. More than 100 were played for the Titans – and 34 for Kent.

“I really wanted to test myself in England on the county circuit. I got the opportunity to play for Kent and I really liked the systems that were in place there and helping in creating a winning culture,” he added.

“I also got to spend time with a number of top players and it really felt like a family.”

Netherlands job

Kuhn will reportedly join the Netherlands’ coaching staff – and will work alongside former Proteas all-rounder Roelof van der Merwe.

Van der Merwe has also been capped in international cricket by the Netherlands – and recently won the inaugural SA20 with the Sunrisers Eastern Cape.

“Roelof and I have a long history. We played numerous matches together at the Titans,” concluded Kuhn.

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