Former Proteas seamer Rory Kleinveldt has been appointed Western Province head coach.
Kleinveldt represented the Cape Cobras in 81 first-class, 116 List A and 96 T20 fixtures before moving into coaching. He also played four Tests, 10 ODIs and six T20Is. Kleinveldt has worked with the Western Province coaching staff previously.
“It’s a great privilege to be coming back to Western Province as head coach and I’m extremely excited to get things underway,” said Kleinveldt.
“Having represented the province in a 20-year career as a player and assistant coach, it’s a big honour for me to be part of this organisation. I feel ready for this challenge and it’s an opportunity for me to build on the success of this proud union.
“As a coach I’m always learning through my journey and my goals moving into this position are to instill a winning culture the supporters of Western Province can watch and be proud of.”
Kleinveldt also played 39 first-class, 23 List A and 47 T20s for Northamptonshire. He was their bowling coach for one season before being named head coach at Western Province.
“I just want to thank Northamptonshire for allowing me the opportunity to come back and represent the badge in a coaching capacity,” he added.
“I’ve absolutely loved my time here and wish everyone at the club all the best for the future.”
Meanwhile, Western Province have signed batsmen Josh van Heerden and Jiveshan Pillay from the Titans and Warriors, respectively. Fast bowler Tshepo Moreki has returned to Western Province from the Lions.
Seamers Wayne Parnell, Wesley Bedja and Onke Nyaku have left Western Province for the Tuskers, Warriors and North West, respectively. Wicketkeeper-batsman Beni Hansen has exited, too, to join South Western Districts.
Western Province ins and outs
Arrivals
- Tshepo Moreki from Lions
- Joshua van Heerden from Titans
- Jiveshan Pillay from Warriors
Exits
- Onke Nyaku to North West
- Wesley Bedja to Warriors
- Wayne Parnell to Tuskers
- Beni Hansen to South Western Districts
Western Province Cricket Association chief executive officer Corrie van Zyl added: “We are very excited about the appointment of Rory as head coach as we believe that he will enhance the current team culture and strategy set by Salieg and the men’s team. Rory has a very good understanding of the team dynamics and the refinements it needs to become consistent winners.
“Rory has been part of this team in recent years. We believe this will ensure a smooth transition while establishing his own performance objectives for the team. These objectives will align to the overall company goal of winning performances. The men’s team aims to be a dominant force in South African cricket. Rory’s appointment is an important step towards achieving this goal.”
Kleinveldt was preferred to fellow former Proteas cricketer Justin Kemp, who also applied to be Western Province head coach.
WPCA president Johannes Adams concluded: “Rory’s appointment reflects our commitment to excellence. His blend of local insight and international experience makes him the ideal candidate to inspire our players.”
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