MI Cape Town announce coaching staff for the inaugural season, Simon Katich and Hashim Amla roped in

Hashim Amla and Simon Katich (Photo Source: Alex Davidson/Getty Images and Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

MI Cape Town earlier revealed hints about their squad for the inaugural domestic tournament. The team management revealed the coaching team earlier on Friday to everyone’s surprise. One must admit that it looks strong as it includes big names like Simon Katich and Hashim Amla. 

The SA20, otherwise known as South Africa's premier T20 cricket league, will get underway in early 2023. MI Cape Town earlier announced a few members of their squad, including Sam Curran and Kagiso Rabada. Simon Katich and Hashim Amla’s addition to the coaching team will be a big boost for the team. 

Alongside the Australian and South African, James Pamment, and Robin Peterson will also join the MI Cape Town team. The auction for the inaugural domestic tournament is scheduled to take place in Cape Town on September 19. However, the New Zealand veteran James Pamment is not new to the Mumbai management.

He’s all set to join the MI Cape Town franchise as the fielding coach and is also the fielding coach of the Mumbai team in the Indian T20 League. Robin Peterson, on the other hand, will join the team as the team’s general manager. 

It is always special to put together a new team: Simon Katich, MI Cape Town's head coach

Simon Katich said that he was happy to be a part of the new franchise. The former Australian player further expressed his joy in building a new team and hoped for the best. The 47-year-old said assured of putting on a tremendous performance on the field. 

“It is an absolute honor to be offered the position of head coach for MI Cape Town. It is always special to put together a new team, hone skills, and build a team culture. I look forward to ensuring that MI Cape Town develops into a team that leverages the local talent and has MI core values at its heart,” Simon Katich added.

Aakash Ambani, the Chairman of Reliance Jio Infocomm, was delighted to welcome Hashim Amla and Simon Katich on board. He highlighted the experience of the two and said that they’ll be a great addition to the MI Cape Town team.

“I’m happy to welcome Simon and Hashim on MI Cape Town coaching team. Together with James and Robin, we’ll be a team that will grow the MI brand of cricket in South Africa and bring to this cricket-loving country the values and ethos MI stands for,” he was quoted as saying in the statement released by the Mumbai franchise.

Hashim Amla said that he wanted to give it all to the MI Cape Town team. He got excited when he spoke about the team and will look to do well as the batting coach.

“From everything they have planned it looks like it’s going to be an amazing platform that will attract our local talent. Bringing my experience as a player and mentor I am excited to help MI Cape Town players bring the best out of themselves and also make SA cricket stronger,” Amla said.