Cricket
Conrad appointed Proteas head coach across all formats─── MORGAN PIEK 13:36 Fri, 09 May 2025
Shukri Conrad has officially been appointed as the Proteas’ head coach across all three formats of the game.
Until now, Conrad had been at the helm of the Test side only, leading them with distinction to next month’s ICC World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s in London. His leadership and clear tactical vision have been widely credited with reinvigorating the red-ball team.
Conrad is no stranger to the role and was the interim coach of the white-ball team a couple of seasons ago in the absence of Walter. Walter has recently been linked with the head coach role of the Black Caps of New Zealand. He resides in New Zealand and it will be an easier fit for him.
Rob Walter. Photo: Morgan Piek
Following the recent resignation of Rob Walter, Conrad will now also assume responsibility for South Africa’s white-ball teams. His expanded role comes as part of Cricket South Africa’s (CSA) broader overhaul of its national team structure, which includes the reintroduction of a National Convenor of Selectors – a move aimed at ensuring greater consistency and strategic alignment across all formats.
Speaking to OFM Sport, Conrad expressed both humility and determination as he steps into the demanding new role.
“Yeah, it does make life easier – obviously, you don’t want to use the word ‘control’, but you do have a really clear sense of where each player is, both physically and mentally,” he said.
“It might even be tougher dealing with myself than it was with Rob at times,” he joked, before paying tribute to his former colleague. “I must add, Rob and I had a fantastic working relationship – it was smooth sailing, and we collaborated very well.”
Kyle Verreynne and Shukri Conrad. Photo: X
Conrad also emphasised the benefits of having a unified vision across formats. “I’m really excited about what lies ahead. As you rightly said, it’s a lot easier managing workloads and understanding where players are at when you’ve got a complete picture. That allows for better planning and timely interventions.”
Conrad is set to announce his squad for the highly anticipated World Test Championship final on Tuesday. The match between the Proteas and the Baggy Greens will be played at the iconic Home of Cricket, Lord’s, from 11 to 15 June.
