Johan Botha joins Netherlands men's team as consultant

AMSTERDAM: The Royal Dutch Cricket Association (KNCB) on Wednesday confirmed the appointment of former South Africa all-rounder Johan Botha as the consultant for the Netherlands Men's team.

The 41-year-old, who represented South Africa in five Tests, 78 ODIs and 40 T20Is between 2005 and 2012, will join the Dutch squad during the crucial ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 home tri-series against Namibia and Nepal, scheduled to be played at the Kampong Cricket Club in Utrecht from July 21 to 31.

Botha, who led the Proteas in both limited-over formats during his glittering international career, has held several coaching positions across franchise leagues around the world such as the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Big Bash League (BBL), Major League Cricket (MLC) and the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).

Reflecting on his appointment as the consultant, Botha expressed profound delight over the opportunity to work with the Netherlands players, coaches and staff, citing the Dutch side's progress over the years.

"I really look forward to joining the Netherlands team in this important period in the World Cup League 2 against Namibia and Nepal," said Botha.

"Having tracked their progress over the past few years, it will be great to work with the players, coaches and staff," he added.

KNCB High Performance Board member Sybrand Engelbrecht welcomed Botha's appointment as the Dutch men's team's consultant, citing the former South Africa all-rounder's wealth of coaching experience.

"We're very pleased to have Johan on board," Engelbrecht said.

"He is an extremely experienced coach, with stints in the PSL, CPL, MLC, Big Bash and Queensland cricket."

ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 tri-series fixtures

21 July: Nepal v Namibia
23 July: Netherlands v Nepal
25 July: Namibia v Netherlands
27 July: Namibia v Nepal
29 July: Nepal v Netherlands
31 July: Netherlands v Namibia