Kruger, who has been serving as the interim coach of the team since Nicky Bojé departed earlier in the season, was deemed to be the best candidate after the board also interviewed Geoffrey Toyana and Hilton Moreeng.

The timing of the announcement is perfect as the CSA T20 Challenge gets underway this week.

Kruger told OFM Sport that the Knights will be able to focus on the task at hand now.

“Yes, it was quite a stressful time taking over from Nicky and being the interim.

“I guess it me a bit on inside to the job at hand and getting to know the team.

“I obviously want to bring my own dynamics to the job and to how we will be going about things for next season.

“I’m just glad that everything has been dealt with and now we can solely focus on cricket.”

It is believed that the former Proteas batsman, Loots Bosman, will be appointed as the assistant to Kruger.

The Knights did finish their Momentum One-Day Cup campaign on a high with three wins in their last four games.

Kruger added that they want to carry that same form into the T20 tournament and hit the ground running.

“As for the T20s, the guys are really working hard and try and hit the ground running. We would like to throw that first punch and get the first win out of the way.

“It is ways difficult to play catch up cricket.

“I am very happy with the way the guys are preparing and the vibe is still very good in the squad. There actually has never been a problem with the vibe in the camp.

“Now that I am the new head coach I am very happy needless to say and I am very chilled about the position.  I think that their will just be good things for us going forward.”

The Knights open their T20 campaign against the Dolphins at Kingsmead on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Jansen twins from Potchefstroom reported for duty at the Knights. The 18-year-old two-metre tall left-arm seamer, Marco, has been given a Knights contract, while his brother, Duan, has been roped in with the Free State for now. 

Another big signing will be announced within the next month, once everything has been finalised with his current franchise in the north of the country. 

@MorganPiek OFM Sport