Cricket South Africa has been one of the boards in the news since its readmission into cricket. Since then, it has produced many fine players, some of whom have become greats of the game and set examples for many to follow. But some of these players have given back to cricket in the form of becoming coaches and helping other teams to win. Cricket South Africa has been known to produce a large number of successful and renowned coaches for teams and franchises all around the world. From world champions to league winners, South African coaches have seen it all. Today we have a look at some of the best South African coaches who have found success in coaching other teams.
1. Gary Kirsten
Gary Kirsten is one of the most celebrated coaches the game of cricket has ever seen. After retiring from international cricket, his first assignment in coaching was to coach Team India, who were in their transition phase post the disastrous 2007 World Cup. His most decorated stint was being the head coach of Team India from 2008 to 2011 and capped it off by winning the 2011 Men's cricket World Cup. He then coached the South African National Side from 2011 to 2013. His tenures in franchise cricket include terms with Hobart Hurricanes, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and presently the batting coach of IPL debutants Gujarat Titans.
2. Mark Boucher
Mark Boucher was known for his hard-hitting abilities and his fiery attitude during his playing days. He is known for being one of the best wicket-keeper batters of all time. He holds the record for the most dismissals in Tests by a wicket-keeper. After his injury-forced retirement in 2012, he has been the coach of South African domestic side Titans and led them to five domestic titles. Since 2019, he has been serving as the head coach of the South Africa National Cricket Team.
3. Dale Steyn
Dale Steyn is regarded as one of the greatest fast bowlers. He was the number 1 ranked Test bowler for a record time of 263 weeks during his peak. He accounts for the most number of wickets for South Africa in Test Cricket. In 2021, he announced retirement from all game forms following an injury-prone final period in his career. In 2021 December, he was appointed as the fast bowling coach of Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL. He was constantly accredited for the success of fast bowling sensation Umran Malik in the league.
4. Alan Donald
Alan Donald, or White Lightning as he is commonly known, is one of the most successful South African fast bowlers. He was an essential member of the team that took Cricket South Africa to new heights following its readmission into International Cricket. He was known for the speed, hostility, and aggression that he displayed on the field. He has had many coaching stints throughout his career after retirement. He has been associated as a fast bowling coach for New Zealand, Royal Challengers Bangalore, South Africa, and Kent, and also was the head coach for Pune Warriors in IPL. He is currently the pace bowling coach for Bangladesh National Team.
5. Lance Klusener
Lance Klusener will always be remembered for his infamous run out with Alan Donald in the 1999 world cup that led to South Africa being knocked out of the tournament. However, he has had an illustrious career with both bat and ball. His ferocious batting and partnership-breaking ability with the ball helped South Africa to become a formidable opposition in the late 1990s. He has seen stints with franchises such as Dolphins, Glasgow Giants, Delhi Capitals, Bangla Tigers, etc. He has had his international assignments with Afghanistan, South Africa, and recently as the batting coach of Zimbabwe Men's national team.
6. Russell Domingo
Russell Domingo didn't have an illustrious career as a player himself, never getting a chance to get into the national team, but his credentials as a coach have left no stone unturned.
He got his first coaching qualification at the age of 22. He was made the head coach of the South Africa National team after Gary Kirsten's tenure came to an end. He is working as the head coach of the Bangladesh Cricket Team since 2019 and has seen them defeat New Zealand and South Africa for the first time.
7. Jonty Rhodes
Jonty Rhodes will always be known for his magical ability on the field. He was one of the best fielders cricket has ever seen. He had been associated with Mumbai Indians as their fielding coach for a long time. He has also been appointed as the coach for Swedish National Team. He is currently the assistant coach of Punjab Kings in the IPL.
8. Vernon Philander
Vernon Philander formed one of the best fast bowling lineups, alongside Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel. He was one example of using limited talent to maximum use in sport. His nagging line and lengths, combined with subtle seam and swing, made him one of the greatest exponents of the red ball. He had been appointed as the Bowling coach for Pakistan Men's team for the T20 World Cup.
9. Jacques Kallis
Jacques Kallis will always be known as the best all-rounder in Cricket history. He is the only cricketer to score more than 10,000 runs and take 250+ wickets in both ODI and Test matches. His career lasted almost 18 years and was an instrumental figure on the national side. Since retirement, he has taken up coaching stints for KKR and South Africa. He is currently the batting consultant for England Men's cricket team.
10. Heinrich Malan
Not a very well-known name internationally, but he played for South Africa in domestic teams but has found more tremendous success in coaching. He coached domestic sides Central Stags and Auckland Aces before being appointed the Head coach for the Irish National Cricket Team.
