Joburg Super Kings have handed their bowling attack to Allan Donald for SA20 2027, with the former Proteas quick joining new head coach Albie Morkel as Eric Simons and Tommy Simsek leave.
White Lightning is heading to Joburg. Joburg Super Kings have announced former South Africa fast bowler Allan Donald as their bowling coach for SA20 2027. He will work alongside Albie Morkel, who was promoted to head coach after the franchise parted ways with Stephen Fleming.
| At a glance | Detail |
|---|---|
| Coach in | Allan Donald, bowling coach for SA20 2027 |
| Head coach | Albie Morkel, promoted after JSK parted ways with Stephen Fleming |
| Bowling coach out | Eric Simons, who will now join Stephen Fleming's backroom staff in England |
| Fielding coach | Pierre de Bruyn, former wicketkeeper-batter |
| Physio | Evan Speechly replaces Tommy Simsek |
| Auction buys | Faf du Plessis bought back for R 2.7 million; uncapped allrounder Jason Rowles for R 2.9 million |
| Season five | Starts 17 January 2027 in Gqeberha, final on 21 February in Cape Town |
The new backroom trio
Donald is not the only fresh face. Pierre de Bruyn, the former wicketkeeper-batter, joins as fielding coach and reunites with Morkel. The pair previously worked together at the Titans and with Namibia.
Evan Speechly comes in as the new physiotherapist, replacing Tommy Simsek. So the picture is clear: Morkel up top, Donald with the bowlers, De Bruyn on fielding and a new physio on the sidelines.
Why Donald matters for the pace group
Donald has been coaching since he retired as a player in 2004, and the CV is long. His international roles have taken in Sri Lanka, New Zealand, South Africa and Bangladesh. On the franchise and county side he has worked with Warwickshire, Kent, the Mountaineers, Pune Warriors India and Royal Challengers Bangalore.
Now one of the great fast bowlers takes charge of JSK's pace attack, for a franchise whose coaching group looks very different from the last time round. Expect plenty of eyes on how the bowlers respond.
Simons and Simsek move on
Donald replaces Eric Simons, who will now join Stephen Fleming's backroom staff in England. The franchise announced the exits of Simons and physio Tommy Simsek with thanks for their contributions.
Straight after the auction
The timing is tidy. At the recent SA20 auction, JSK bought back former captain Faf du Plessis for R 2.7 million and spent R 2.9 million on uncapped allrounder Jason Rowles. A familiar face in the squad, a new head coach and a new bowling coach: this is a different-looking Joburg.
When season five starts
SA20 season five begins on 17 January 2027 in Gqeberha and ends with the final on 21 February in Cape Town. The opener at St George's Park is a rematch of the 2026 final between SEC and PC.
The story comes from ESPNcricinfo, and the move is also reported by cskden.in. Read the full piece on ESPNcricinfo. ESPNcricinfo.
Second source: cskden.in on Allan Donald, Joburg Super Kings and the Simons and Simsek exits. cskden.in.
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