South East Stars appoint Johann Myburgh as new head coach

Jonathan Batty filled the role on an interim basis during the inaugural Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy but Myburgh, 40, will now take up the post on a full-time basis

South East Stars have appointed Johann Myburgh as head coach ahead of the 2021 season.

Jonathan Batty filled the role on an interim basis during the inaugural Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy but Myburgh, 40, will now take up the post on a full-time basis.

Since retiring from playing in 2018, the former Somerset batsman has worked as assistant head coach at Sydney Thunder in the Women’s Big Bash and in English cricket’s new domestic structure with Sunrisers.

He has also spent time working with Somerset's men's and women's cricketers, alongside his position as head of cricket development at Framlingham College in Suffolk.

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 and Surrey.”

^{South East Stars finished third in their Rachael Heyhoe Flint Trophy group}

His arrival is the latest among the support staff at South East Stars, who cover the Kent and Surrey region in the ECB's regional structure. Tom Lister and Lettie Hadley were named as senior regional talent manager and team operations manager respectively last month.

The regional structure for next year is yet to be announced, but it is expected that the eight regional hubs will face one another in 50-over and T20 cricket.

Stars’ regional director of women's cricket Richard Bedbrook added: “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.”

Myburgh’s new side won just twice in the Heyhoe Flint Trophy, with both victories coming against Sunrisers.