South Western Districts have appointed new head coach Letlotle Sesele ahead of the 2025-26 domestic season in South Africa.
Sesele has replaced former South Western Districts head coach Gurshwin Rabie.
Sesele played first-class cricket for the Knights, Boland and others for 12 years before moving into coaching.
“The 37 year-old Sesele will take over from Rabie, whose contract came to an end after the past season following a two-year turn in charge of the flagship team,” read a statement from South Western Districts.
“Sesele was the assistant coach of the Knights for the past two seasons. His big assignment will be to ensure the desirable performances of the Badgers professional team following two seasons of disappointing results.
“With a strong background in both playing and coaching, he has been instrumental in nurturing talent at various levels of the game and is widely regarded for his strategic insight and commitment to player development. Sesele’s assistant coach will be finalised as a priority.”
SWD compete in division two of South African domestic cricket. They recently lost wrist spinner Thomas Kaber to the Warriors.
Sesele added: “It is an incredible honour to take up the role of head coach at the Badgers. This region has a pipeline of exciting young talent, as I have also played here myself. I look forward to working closely with all stakeholders and the broader SWD cricket community to build a high-performance culture and take this team the new heights.
“My immediate focus will be on preparing for the upcoming season, with an emphasis on best preparing the squad, implementing modern training methodologies, and fostering a winning mindset.”
The Knights said: “We bid farewell to our assistant coach Letlotle Sesele, who will be taking the reins at the Garden Route Badgers for the 2025-26 season.
“Thank you, Letlotle, for your passion, energy and relentless drive in the Knights changeroom. Your journey with us has been nothing short of inspiring – now it’s time to lead your own army. All the best on your new adventure.”