Pirates Cricket Club have named former Lions, Titans and Dolphins seamer Aya Myoli head coach ahead of the 2023-24 Lions Cricket premier league A.
Myoli has succeeded former Pirates Cricket Club head coach Keagan Moore, who has left the role to be the Titans’ team analyst.
“Myoli is actively pursuing his Cricket South Africa level three coaching credentials. His coaching prowess has been demonstrated through his work with cricket clubs such as Wanderers Cricket Club and Old Edwardians Cricket Club,” read a statement from Pirates Cricket Club.
“Pirates are confident that Aya’s extensive experience as a player and his dedication to coaching will contribute significantly to the club’s success.
“Pirates Cricket Club extends its gratitude to Keagan Moore, who served as the club’s coach during the past season. Moore’s leadership and strategic insights played a pivotal role in Pirates’ return to the premier league A.
“Keagan’s professional commitments as the senior analyst at Titans, however, led to the decision that he would be unable to continue as full-time head coach. Keagan will remain an integral part of the Pirates family.”
Pirates Cricket Club retain assistant coach
Assistant coach Henk Nel has been retained. Nel was with Pirates Cricket Club for 2022-23’s title-winning Lions Cricket premier league B campaign, which resulted in promotion to the premier league A.
“Aya will be supported by Henk, who continues in the role of assistant coach. Nel’s continuity from the previous season’s accomplishments will ensure a seamless transition and the preservation of Pirates’ winning culture as the club steps up to the premier league A,” added Pirates Cricket Club.
Pirates Cricket Club appoint director of cricket
Former first XI captain Chad Roberts, meanwhile, has been appointed director of cricket. Roberts has relocated to Cape Town, but will perform the Pirates Cricket Club role remotely.
“In a significant move towards ensuring that Pirates build a sustainable cricket club that caters for members, players, and the overall community as a whole, Chad Roberts has been appointed as the director of cricket,” said Pirates Cricket Club chairman Mlungisi Nkosi.
“Roberts’ role as director of cricket aims to align Pirates Cricket Club with its overarching goals, ensuring sustainable growth and fostering valuable partnerships within the cricketing community.
“Roberts will collaborate closely with the club’s committee to fulfill various responsibilities, including:
- “Facilitating player recruitment initiatives, including potential collaborations through a player exchange program with the United Arab Emirates;
- “growing the club’s bursary fund to support young cricketers through tertiary education
Spearheading fundraising efforts in tandem with Henk Nel; - “developing strategies to secure sponsorships and additional funding for the club’s growth; and
- “ensuring comprehensive fulfillment of the club’s cricketing requirements, working closely with the committee.
“Pirates Cricket Club are poised for an exciting season under the collective guidance of its committee, coaches and tight nit member base.
“The club’s commitment to nurturing talent, fostering partnerships, and maintaining its unique culture remains steadfast as they venture into new opportunities and challenges.”