Allan Donald's Next Move: Why Joburg Super Kings Bet on a Legend

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. For a team that's been close but never quite over the line, this feels like a statement. ### Donald Joins Albie Morkel's Coaching Group at JSK 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. 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. It's a fascinating pairing, isn't it? Morkel, a relatively young coach, and Donald, a seasoned veteran with a wealth of experience. Together, they'll try to turn a talented squad into champions. ### Donald's Coaching Record Across International and Franchise Cricket Donald started coaching in 2007 as a temporary bowling consultant for England. He spent time with Warwickshire in 2008 and then joined New Zealand as their bowling coach for the 2011 World Cup. He moved to South Africa in July of that year 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 with Pune Warriors India, a franchise that no longer exists. He also coached Kent in the County Championship and later worked with the Bangladesh national team as a fast bowling coach. > "Allan brings a level of expertise and passion that is unmatched. He's been there, done that, and knows what it takes to win," said a source close to the franchise. ### JSK Support Staff Changes and SA20 2027 Schedule 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 approximately $150,000 at the recent SA20 auction. It also paid about $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. 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.