Proteas turn to seasoned Rassie as Conrad starts tenure as all-format coach

A new era is on the horizon. Shukri Conrad’s appointment as the Proteas’ all-format head coach officially begins in July with the T20I Tri-Series in Harare – a first chance for Conrad to stamp his vision across all three formats 

Conrad is, however, not playing it safe. His squad includes four T20I newcomers: Corbin Bosch, Lhuan‑dré Pretorius, Rubin Hermann and Senuran Muthusamy. The young squad may feel the pressure, but the coach is not being reckless. He has ensured that the team has a solid core with veteran batsman Rassie van der Dussen, who led South Africa in the Caribbean and captained a pre‑World Cup warm‑up series in 2024, offering stability and turning out as captain.

Van der Dussen has captained South Africa officially on two occasions – during the 2024 Caribbean white‑ball tour and in a T20 warm‑up series – he also led in at least one ODI, making him a reliable choice in a transitional squad.

Rising stars hoping to shine

As for Pretorius and Hermann, they impressed in SA20, topping run-scoring charts for Paarl Royals. Bosch, though already capped, was key in MI Cape Town’s SA20 title win. Spinner Muthusamy joins seasoned twirlers George Linde and Nqaba Peter, while fast‑bowlers Nandre Burger and Gerald Coetzee return from injury, strength in youth waiting to break through.

Conrad on development and Rassie’s role

“With senior players rested, this Tri‑Series marks the start of our preparation for next year’s T20 World Cup,” said Conrad, who emphasised Rassie’s experience in guiding the rookies and pushing for selection.

It’s going to be an interesting ride, and with New Zealand and Zimbabwe waiting, interesting is not synonymous with easy.

Proteas T20 squad: Rassie van der Dussen (c, Lions), Corbin Bosch (Titans), Dewald Brevis (Titans), Nandre Burger (WP), Gerald Coetzee (Titans), Reeza Hendricks (Lions), Rubin Hermann (Dragons), George Linde (WP), Kwena Maphaka (Lions), Senuran Muthusamy (Warriors), Lungi Ngidi (Titans), Nqaba Peter (Lions), Lhuan-dré Pretorius (Titans), Andile Simelane (Dolphins).

T20I Tri-Series fixtures (all matches start at 1 pm)

Monday, 14 July – Zimbabwe vs South Africa, Harare Sports Club

Wednesday, 16 July – South Africa vs New Zealand, Harare Sports Club

Friday, 18 July – Zimbabwe vs New Zealand, Harare Sports Club

Sunday, 20 July – Zimbabwe vs South Africa, Harare Sports Club

Tuesday, 22 July – New Zealand vs South Africa, Harare Sports Club

Thursday, 24 July – Zimbabwe vs New Zealand, Harare Sports Club

Saturday, 26 July – Number 1 vs Number 2, Harare Sports Club