South East Stars have appointed Johann Myburgh as their first ever permanent Regional Head Coach as preparations continue for the 2021 season.
He fills the role which was covered on an interim basis by Jonathan Batty during this year’s inaugural Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy.
A front-line batsman, off-spinner and a player renowned for his fielding, Myburgh’s 21-year professional career saw him represent Somerset, Durham & Hampshire in England following spells with Northerns & Titans in South Africa and New Zealand side Canterbury as well as South Africa’s U19s and academy teams.
Since retiring in 2018, the 40-year-old has worked as Assistant Head Coach at Sunrisers and Sydney Thunder in the WBBL. His coaching portfolio also includes time with Somerset’s men’s and women’s cricketers alongside his role as Head of Cricket Development at Framlingham College in Suffolk.
Myburgh is the latest appointment to the support staff at South East Stars, who cover the Kent & Surrey region in the ECB’s regional structure, after Tom Lister & Lettie Hadley were named as Senior Regional Talent Manager & Team Operations Manager respectively last month. Announcements on the Lead Physiotherapist and Strength & Conditioning Coach will follow in due course.
While the regional schedule for 2021 is yet to be finalised, it is expected that the first team will face sides representing the other centres of excellence around the country in both 50 over and 20 over cricket. Each region will also continue to grow their academy programmes, with that work well under way in Surrey & Kent.
Myburgh said: “I’m really proud to have been offered the role of Head Coach at South East Stars. It’s an exciting time to be involved in women’s cricket and I can’t wait to get started.”
“I’m looking forward to supporting our players at what would be the start for most, of their professional journey. I hope to forge an environment that fosters growth and encourages players to express themselves”
“Ultimately, we want to create something special and make the region proud of the way we go about playing our cricket and the behaviours we show on a daily basis, whilst advancing the women’s and girl’s game in Kent & Surrey.”
Speaking on today’s appointment, Regional Director of Women’s Cricket Richard Bedbrook said: “I am really pleased that Johann has agreed to be the first full-time Head Coach of the South East Stars and we both now can’t wait to commence building some really strong relationships amongst the staff and player groups.
“Johann clearly brings a huge amount of cricket experience with him from a playing and coaching career that spans over 20 years in the game.
“I was hugely impressed at the interview stage with Johann’s commitment over the past few years in building up his coaching resume and how he has strived to ensure his coaching has delved into all levels of the game, from participation, school, county and the professional level.”
“With the nature of the playing group at the South East Stars, Johann’s leadership and commitment to developing the players individually as well as building further the small steps made this summer with respect of the team brand, dynamics and aspirations, will be significant as we look to build together a Regional programme that allows a clear pathway for players to reach the international game as well as compete at the domestic professional level.”
