Allan Donald's New Role Could Finally End Joburg Super Kings' Title Drought

Dr. Annelies De Vos · 2026-10-22

Joburg Super Kings have appointed former South African fast bowler Allan Donald as their bowling coach for the SA20 2027 season. The franchise confirmed the decision on Tuesday, October 13. Donald will work alongside head coach Albie Morkel, who took charge after Stephen Fleming stepped down following the 2026 season. The 59-year-old takes over from Eric Simons, who will move to Fleming's support staff in England. ### A Legendary Fast Bowler Takes the Reins Donald retired from playing in 2004 and has spent most of the years since in coaching roles. Super Kings have not won an SA20 title in the four seasons played so far, and the bowling department will now operate under him as the team chases its first trophy. Donald's coaching record is impressive. He started in 2007 as a temporary bowling consultant for England. He then spent time with Warwickshire in 2008 and joined New Zealand as their bowling coach for the 2011 World Cup. Later that year, he moved to South Africa under Gary Kirsten and stayed with the national side until the 2015 World Cup. In the IPL, Donald has worked with Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Pune Warriors India. He also coached Kent in the County Championship and later worked with the Bangladesh national team as a fast bowling coach. ### Support Staff Shake-Up Super Kings made two more changes to their staff alongside the Donald announcement. Former wicketkeeper-batter Pierre de Bruyn has joined as fielding coach and will reunite with Morkel, with whom he worked at Titans and Namibia. Evan Speechly will take over as physiotherapist from Tommy Simsek. On the playing side, the franchise brought back former captain Faf du Plessis for R 2.7 million (approx. $150,000) at the recent SA20 auction. It also paid R 2.9 million (approx. $160,000) for uncapped allrounder Jason Rowles. Kieron Pollard, Blessing Muzarabani, Andries Gous and Dayyaan Galiem joined the squad as well. The squad for the new season also includes Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, James Vince, Rilee Rossouw and Leus du Plooy. Jamie Overton is part of the group as a wildcard signing. > "We believe Allan's experience and passion for the game will inspire our bowlers to reach new heights," said a franchise spokesperson. ### SA20 2027 Schedule The fifth edition of the SA20 begins on January 17, 2027, at St George's Park in Gqeberha. The opening match will be a rematch of the 2026 final between Sunrisers Eastern Cape and Pretoria Capitals. The league will end with the final on February 21 in Cape Town. For more cricket news and updates, visit our blog.