Former Proteas allrounder Justin Kemp is being lined up to replace outgoing Western Province head coach Salieg Nackerdien.
The 61-year-old Nackerdien is set to take up the position of head coach of the Tanzanian national team.
The East African country’s cricket reputation is growing on the continent after the Tanzanian U19 team recently qualified for the ICC U19 Men’s World Cup for the first time.
Nackerdien led Province to the Cricket SA 1-Day Cup title last season, while also reaching the first-class final.
The veteran coach also played a prominent role in the growth of a considerable number of cricketers at Newlands, which included eight current squad members receiving national call ups, including five international debuts.
Notably, left-arm fast bowler Nandre Burger featured in all three formats during the India inbound tour in 2024 along with David Bedingham, Tony De Zorzi and Eddie Moore earning maiden Test caps, while Mihlali Mpongwana was drafted into the ODI and T20 squads.
In addition, Kyle Verreynne, Beuran Hendricks and Dane Paterson also made returns to the national setup across various formats.
“Salieg has the special touch as a head coach to get the best out of his team by creating an environment where players feel safe and in which they can thrive. This is a skill that not all coaches have,” said WP Cricket Association chief executive Corrie van Zyl.
“WP Cricket understands and supports Salieg’s decision to take up this new role in Tanzania. Family is important to Salieg and this position as the head coach of the Tanzanian National team speaks to both his coaching ambitions and his desire to be with his family.
"Replacing Salieg will not be easy as his skill in managing people is rare. We wish Salieg and his family all the best in this new and exciting chapter in their lives.”
An emotional Nackerdien shared: “I want to say thank you to each and everyone who has supported us during the seasons and during the ups and downs over the years.
"In professional cricket you are going to win some and lose some - I want to say thank you to the supporters, the media, the Board, the CEO, our staff, and our ground staff.
“Everybody I worked with in the past couple of seasons was fantastic. It’s sad to leave the faithful Newlands ground where I have spent the last 15 years as well.
"I really appreciate the opportunity WPCA afforded me in 2021 to make a difference in this Province and I am looking forward to the new journey as well.”
Nackerdien roped in Kemp’s expertise midway through last season after former Proteas fast bowler Rory Kleinveldt vacated his role as bowling coach to take up a position at Northamptonshire on the English County Championship circuit.
Kemp, who played 97 matches across international formats for the Proteas, has a long and distinguished association with Newlands.
The 47-year-old captained the now defunct Cape Cobras during a golden era for the franchise when they won numerous trophies under Kemp’s leadership.