Allan Donald appointed Joburg Super Kings bowling coach for SA20 2027

Joburg Super Kings have appointed Allan Donald as their bowling coach for the SA20 2027 season, the franchise confirmed on October 13, 2026. The 59-year-old South Africa fast-bowling legend takes over from Eric Simons, who has departed to join Stephen Fleming’s backroom staff in England.

Donald steps into a revamped JSK coaching structure. Albie Morkel was named head coach on July 30, 2026, following Fleming’s exit after the 2026 season, and Donald will now work alongside Morkel as the franchise prepares for the upcoming campaign.

JSK retained a core group of players ahead of the SA20 2027 auction on October 7, 2026. Faf du Plessis, Wiaan Mulder, Jason Rowles, Dayyan Galiem, Kieron Pollard, Blessing Muzarabani and Andries Gous are among the players held back by the franchise going into the new season.

What does Donald bring to the JSK bowling unit?

Allan Donald carries one of the most extensive coaching records among former fast bowlers. He served as England’s bowling consultant in 2007 before taking up the Warwickshire head coach role in 2008. He then worked as New Zealand’s bowling coach during the 2011 World Cup and subsequently joined South Africa in the same capacity, a role he held through to the 2015 World Cup.

Beyond international assignments, Donald has worked in franchise cricket with Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Pune Warriors India in the IPL, as well as with Kent in county cricket. Most recently, he served as Bangladesh’s pace bowling coach up to the 2022 T20 World Cup. That breadth of experience across formats, continents and franchise environments makes him a well-travelled addition to the JSK setup.

Why did Eric Simons leave and what is JSK’s recent record?

Eric Simons’ departure from JSK is linked to his move to join Stephen Fleming’s new backroom staff in England. No official reason beyond the coaching transition has been disclosed by the franchise for either Fleming’s exit or Simons’ subsequent move.

JSK are yet to win the SA20 title. The franchise finished fourth in both the 2025 and 2026 seasons, and the appointment of Donald alongside Morkel represents a significant reshaping of the coaching group as the team looks to improve on those results in 2027.