South Africa appoint Neil McKenzie as batting consultant for West Indies series; Kruger van Wyk named full-time fielding coach

Neil McKenzie of South Africa. (Photo by Philip Brown/Getty Images)

South Africa have appointed former batter Neil McKenzie as their new batting consultant for the upcoming two-match Test series against the West Indies, starting February 28 at home. After his appointment, the cricket board have also confirmed that a new batting coach will be named in due course of time, and for now, McKenzie will work under the new red-ball head coach Shukri Conrad.

Meanwhile, the governing body has also signed former New Zealand stumper-batter Kruger van Wyk as their full-time Test fielding coach. Notably, the former cricketer represented the Kiwis in nine Test matches and scored 341 runs in the process, before calling it quits in 2015. They have also roped in Piet Botha as their new bowling coach, as the series against the West Indies will mark Charl Langeveltd’s last assignment.

Cricket South Africa has also announced that Matthew Reuben and Sizwe Hadebe will join the technical staff taking up the role of a performance analyst and physiotherapist respectively. Meanwhile, Runeshan Moodley has been appointed as the new strength and conditioning coach.

“We would like to thank Neil for committing himself to the series while the permanent appointment is being finalised. He and Shukri have a good working relationship, having previously coached together at SA Under-19 level, and we look forward to them combining for the first series in what is a new era for the Test side,” director of Cricket, Enoch Nkwe said.

“I am pleased to have Piet join the support staff. He has extensive coaching experience and has guided several promising players through the domestic pathway to higher honours. Having personally experienced what he has to offer as a coach during his time at the National Academy, I am looking forward to the opportunity of working closely with him at this level,” Shukri Conrad said when asked about the newly-appointed bowling coach.

Notably, there has been a change in the leadership group as well. Dean Elgar stepped down as the captain and Temba Bavuma has been appointed as the new leader of the Test side.

South Africa coaching staff for Test Series against the West Indies

Shukri Conrad (Head Coach), Khomotso Volvo Masubelele (Team Manager), Neil McKenzie (Batting Consultant), Charl Langeveldt (Bowling Coach), Kruger van Wyk (Fielding Coach), Matthew Reuben (Performance Analyst), Sizwe Hadebe (Physiotherapist), Runeshan Moodley (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Dr Hashendra Ramjee (Team Doctor), Kyle Botha (Logistics and Masseur), Zunaid Wadee (Security), Lucy Davey (Media Manager)

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