Former Proteas pacer Morne Morkel has been hired by New Zealand to serve on the coaching staff for the upcoming Women’s T20 World Cup in South Africa, which begins on February 10.
Morkel recently served as a member of the Namibia coaching staff for the 2022 Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia. He will now serve as the “tour coach” for the New Zealand women’s team during the major competition, providing fast bowling and general coaching support. Morkel, who is currently the bowling coach of the Durban Super Giants in the first-ever SA20 league, will join the White Ferns team before their first group match against Australia.
“The opportunity to join the White Ferns group and get involved in the women’s game was a no-brainer for me,” said Morkel. “The women’s game is growing so rapidly around the world, and this a great opportunity for me to build experience in the women’s game and share my knowledge of international cricket to help this team get better.
“I’ve been following the women’s game and the White Ferns closely over the last couple of years, especially since moving to Australia and seeing their players who have played in the Women’s Big Bash [League]. It’s a talented group of players and they have a very exciting pace bowling attack which I’ll be able to support Ben [Sawyer, head coach] with,” he added.
“I know a lot about the South African conditions and have spent a lot of time working here in the past year, so that’s some important knowledge that I’ll be able to share with this group during the tournament.”