Johan Botha joins Netherlands men's team

Former South Africa captain Johan Botha will join the Netherlands men's team as a consultant, as part of their coaching staff during their upcoming Cricket World Cup League 2 matches. Netherlands play their games in July, against Namibia and Nepal, at home in Utrecht.

Botha, now 44, was the head coach of the Queensland Bulls as well as Brisbane Heat in Australia's domestic circuit from 2024, for a period of two years, before he resigned from the positionin June this year, with one year still left on his contract. His consultant position with Netherlands will be his first coaching role since then. He also has coaching experience in the PSL, CPL and ILT20.

"I really look forward to joining the Netherlands team in this important period in the World Cup League 2 against Namibia and Nepal," he said. "Having tracked their progress over the past few years it will be great to work with the players, coaches and staff."

Botha played 78 ODIs and 40 T20Is for South Africa as an allrounder, during a seven-year international career. He will now join Netherlands during a time of transition for them. Their head coach Ryan Cook stepped down from his position in June, with former South Africa international Heino Kuhn - their batting coach - helming the team through the Cricket World Cup League 2 games.

Netherlands play their next game against Nepal, on June 23, in Utrecht.