The Western Province Cricket Association have congratulated former Cape Cobras head coach Shukri Conrad, who was appointed Test coach of the Proteas this week.
Conrad previously coached the Cobras and Lions and franchise level – and Uganda in international cricket. He was South Africa’s coach at last year’s Under-19 World Cup in the Caribbean, too.
“Shukri played for Western Province during the final years before unification, and thereafter represented the association at first-class level,” said Conrad.
“He has achieved significant success as a coach, both at international level and in the Western Province. He led the Cape Cobras to success in three competitions in the 2006-07, 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons.
“After a successful time in Uganda, he returned to become part of the national set-up in South Africa. He has been instrumental in the development of South Africa’s young talent since 2014, as head of Cricket South Africa’s national academy.
“In 2020, Shukri took over the reins of the SA Under-19 team. He led them to a much-improved performance in the 2022 Under-19 World Cup, and to a domestic trophy, where his charges won division two of the T20 Challenge.
“He is a true son of the Western Province, and the WPCA has no doubt that he will acquit himself well in his new role.”
What WPCA president Ashraf Burns said
Conrad played for Montrose Cricket Club in the Western Province Veterans Cricket Association league relatively recently – and previously represented United Cricket Club in club competition.
Burns added: “I was privileged to play with Shukri at United Cricket Club, where I experienced his amazing cricketing talent. He was an attacking batsman, which he will no doubt instill in our batters.
“On behalf of everyone at WPCA, we wish him a successful term as the red-ball coach of the Proteas.”