Who is Shukri Conrad, the Newly Appointed Head Coach for South Africa Men’s All-Format Team?

Synopsis
In a significant development for South African cricket, Shukri Conrad has been appointed as the head coach for the men's team across all formats. With a rich background in coaching and a vision for success, Conrad is set to lead the team into key international competitions, including the prestigious World Cup events.
Key Takeaways
- Shukri Conrad appointed as head coach for South Africa men’s team.
- Conrad has been the red-ball coach since January 2023.
- He aims to lead the team through the 2027 Men’s ODI World Cup.
- Next challenge is the ICC World Test Championship Final.
- Focus on building a strong white-ball team.
Johannesburg, May 9 (NationPress) Cricket South Africa (CSA) has officially announced the appointment of Shukri Conrad as the head coach for the South Africa men’s team across all formats. Conrad, who previously served as the red-ball coach starting January 2023, is stepping into the role of white-ball coach after Rob Walter resigned.
CSA has confirmed that Conrad will lead the team through to the 2027 Men’s ODI World Cup, which is set to take place in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. His initial challenge will be the ICC World Test Championship Final against Australia, scheduled from June 11-15 at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.
“I am genuinely grateful to be given the honor of leading our national team in all three formats. Coaching the Test team has been the highlight of my cricket career, and expanding my role to include the white-ball formats is incredibly exciting. I am eager about the opportunities before us,” said Conrad.
“South African cricket is rich in white-ball talent, with exceptional senior players and a promising group of juniors aiming to represent the Proteas. We have a robust foundation to build on, and I am confident in our capability to achieve remarkable success. We have a packed schedule ahead, beginning with the WTC Final next month, followed by the T20 World Cup next year, and then our own 50-over World Cup the following year.”
“Effective planning will be crucial as we strive to manage our player roster, ensuring that the strongest teams can compete in every format. My primary goal is for the Proteas to be at the top in all three forms of cricket,” Conrad emphasized.
CSA noted that Conrad's hiring is part of a larger strategy to restructure the national team, which includes reintroducing a National Convenor of Selection. “Shukri’s success with the red-ball team is evident. He has built a solid foundation and fostered a strong identity within the Test setup,” said CSA.
“I am looking forward to seeing him apply his skills and structure to the white-ball format. Having been involved with the national team for the past two years, he comprehends the demands of international cricket.”
“He has developed solid relationships with the players and we firmly believe he is the ideal candidate for the role. We are confident in his ability to help us sustain our upward momentum and remain competitive across all formats,” concluded Enoch Nkwe, CSA Director of National Teams and High Performance.