South East Stars appoint Johann Myburgh as the permanent head coach

South East Stars – the team representing Kent and Surrey in England’s new elite domestic structure – have appointed Johann Myburgh as the permanent head coach of the region on Friday (November 6).

The Stars competed in this year’s Rachael Heyhoe-Flint Trophy along with seven other newly formed regional teams. They finished third in the South Group with two wins from six matches and failed to qualify for the final of the competition.

“I’m really proud to have been offered the role of Head Coach at South East Stars,” Myburgh said. “It’s an exciting time to be involved in women’s cricket and I can’t wait to get started.”

Born in Pretoria, Myburgh represented Somerset, Durham, Hampshire in domestic cricket after moving to England from South Africa for professional opportunities. He played 108 First Class matches, 118 List A matches and 92 T20s before hanging his boots in 2018. Since retiring, he worked as assistant head coach of Sunrisers and Sydney Thunder WBBL side. He also worked with Somerset men and women cricketers while also working as Head of Cricket Development at Framlingham College in Suffolk.

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40-year-old Myburgh wants to work towards advancing girls’ and women’s cricket in the region and is hopeful of creating an environment for the growth of the players where they can express themselves.

“I’m looking forward to supporting our players at what would be the start for most, of their professional journey. I hope to forge an environment that fosters growth and encourages players to express themselves, he added.

“Ultimately, we want to create something special and make the region proud of the way we go about playing our cricket and the behaviours we show on a daily basis, whilst advancing the women’s and girl’s game in Kent & Surrey.”

“I am really pleased that Johann has agreed to be the first full-time Head Coach of the South East Stars,” said Richard Bedbrook, Stars’ regional director of women’s cricket, announcing the appointment. “We both now can’t wait to commence building some really strong relationships amongst the staff and player groups.”

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Bedbrook hoped that they could work together to build a regional program to create pathways to international cricket for the players. He also added that Myburgh with his experience as a player and a coach will help them develop individually as players.

“With the nature of the playing group at the South East Stars, Johann’s leadership and commitment to developing the players individually as well as building further the small steps made this summer with respect of the team brand, dynamics and aspirations, will be significant as we look to build together a Regional programme that allows a clear pathway for players to reach the international game as well as compete at the domestic professional level,” Bedbrook concluded.

In October, the Stars announced Tom Lister as the Senior Regional Talent Manager and Lettie Hadley was named Team Operations Manager. The hub is currently on the lookout for the roles of Lead Physiotherapist, and Lead Strength and Conditioning Coach and their names will be announced in due course.