Former South African international, Jonty Rhodes has been appointed as the new cricket head coach for the Swedish national cricket team. The 51-year-old is currently in Dubai for the upcoming edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as the fielding coach of the Kings XI.
BREAKING NEWS!
Swedish Cricket Federation to invest in junior cricket, high performance & growth through the appointment of South African cricket great, Jonty Rhodes as head coach.
Read more here: https://t.co/FNZvpwyz4k pic.twitter.com/5qhRk00VUw— Cricket Sweden 🏏 (@Swedish_Cricket) September 10, 2020
Rhodes also represented South Africa at hockey, and was chosen as part of the 1992 Olympic Games squad to go to Barcelona; however, the squad did not qualify to go to the tournament. He was also called up for trials to play in the 1996 Olympic Games but was ruled out by a hamstring injury.
After retiring from playing cricket Rhodes has served as the fielding coach for IPL Team Mumbai Indians. Rhodes was also appointed as the assistant coach for the Kenyan national cricket team that participated in the 2011 Cricket World Cup. In April 2013 South African Tourism appointed Rhodes as their brand ambassador for India.
Rhodes said he is excited about the fresh challenge he will face in a country not known for its cricket.
“I am really excited to relocate to Sweden with my family and work together with the Swedish Cricket community. This opportunity has come at a perfect time and I am grateful to be able to invest my energies in a completely new environment. I can’t wait to get started,” said Rhodes.
Thanks @timcutler, but I am afraid that I am going to be constantly nagging you for your valuable insights! Sorry for you! https://t.co/6HF8IKS40J
— Jonty Rhodes (@JontyRhodes8) September 10, 2020
SCF claimed that cricket is the second fastest growing sport in Sweden that has seen a 300 per cent increase in participation over the past two years.
The federation feels that the association with Rhodes will not only help its national team but also the grassroots.
“Jonty will play a pivotal role in lifting our players as well as assisting in securing quality coaching framework for the future sustainability of the game,” said Benn Harradine, SCF Sports Director.
“I am delighted to have him as part of our small and ambitious team,” he added.
Rhodes played 52 Tests and 245 ODIS for South Africa between 1992 and 2003. He is considered among the most agile to have ever taken the field in international cricket.
Rhodes is also known as an enthusiastic traveller and has extensively covered India during his IPL stint.
