Former South Africa fast-bowling great Allan Donald has been appointed bowling coach of Joburg Super Kings ahead of the upcoming SA20 season. The franchise confirmed the appointment on Tuesday, October 13, with the 59-year-old set to work alongside compatriot Albie Morkel, who has taken over as head coach.
Donald’s arrival adds considerable international and coaching experience to the Joburg Super Kings setup as the franchise looks to secure its maiden SA20 title. He replaces no one directly in the bowling role, but joins a coaching structure undergoing changes following Stephen Fleming’s departure after the 2026 season.
Allan Donald Brings Extensive Coaching Experience
Donald has built a coaching career spanning nearly two decades, having moved into coaching roles in 2007 after establishing himself as one of South Africa’s most renowned fast bowlers.
His coaching journey began with a temporary stint as a bowling consultant for the England cricket team. In 2008, he worked with Warwickshire before joining New Zealand as bowling coach for the 2011 World Cup.
Later that year, Donald returned to the South African setup as bowling coach under Gary Kirsten. He remained in the role until the 2015 World Cup, contributing to the development of the country’s pace-bowling resources during a significant period for the national team.
Donald subsequently gained experience in franchise cricket, including the Indian Premier League. He worked with Royal Challengers Bengaluru before joining Pune Warriors India in 2012 as bowling coach. He was promoted to head coach the following season, broadening his experience in team management and tactical planning.
His coaching career also included a spell with Kent in England. Donald later joined the Bangladesh coaching staff as pace-bowling coach, continuing in that position until the 2022 T20 World Cup.
His experience across international cricket, domestic competitions and franchise leagues is expected to be valuable as Joburg Super Kings prepare for their next SA20 campaign.
Albie Morkel and Donald Form New Coaching Partnership
Donald will work closely with Morkel, who has been appointed head coach following Fleming’s decision to step down after the 2026 season.
The appointment brings together two former South African internationals who have extensive experience of high-level cricket. While Morkel will oversee the team’s overall strategy and preparation, Donald will focus on the bowling department, including the development of pace bowlers and the execution of plans in different match situations.
For Joburg Super Kings, strengthening the coaching setup is part of the effort to translate their resources into consistent performances in the SA20 competition.
Donald’s background as an international fast bowler gives him first-hand understanding of the technical, tactical and mental demands placed on bowlers. His experience working with different teams and coaching groups should also help the franchise prepare for varied conditions throughout the tournament.
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Joburg Super Kings Strengthen Squad at Auction
The franchise has also added several players to its squad at the recent auction, including a mix of established international names and emerging talent.
Among the players signed were former South Africa captain Faf du Plessis, all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, Jason Rowles, Dayyan Galiem, West Indies star Kieron Pollard, Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani and wicketkeeper-batter Andries Gous.
The additions provide the team with options across batting, bowling and all-round roles. Pollard brings extensive experience in T20 franchise cricket, while Muzarabani offers international pace-bowling experience. Du Plessis, meanwhile, adds leadership and top-order batting experience.
Donald will be responsible for helping the bowling group develop effective combinations and execute plans against opposition batters. His role will be particularly important in a format where bowlers must adapt quickly to changing match situations and make effective use of variations.
First SA20 Title Remains the Target
Joburg Super Kings will enter the new season with the objective of winning their first SA20 championship. The franchise has yet to lift the title, and the latest coaching appointments signal a fresh phase as it looks to improve its campaign.
Donald’s appointment gives the team an experienced specialist to lead its bowling preparation, while Morkel’s arrival marks a change at the top of the coaching structure.
With an expanded squad and a revamped coaching team, Joburg Super Kings will hope to put together a campaign capable of taking them all the way to the trophy. For Donald, the assignment represents another opportunity to apply his international and franchise coaching experience, this time in South Africa’s premier T20 league.