02|08|2026

The Betway SA20 will be entering its fifth edition on 17 January 2027, and Joburg Super Kings has hit the headlines with the announcement of Albie Morkel as their new head coach.

The change at the top was not a surprising one since Stephen Fleming resigned from the Super Kings global franchise after 18 years of being affiliated with the brand. Fleming was the head coach for JSK in their first 4 seasons. In that time, they have never reached the final but reached the playoffs in all editions.

Morkel being announced as the new head coach of JSK is the Super Kings being on brand. Morkel has been involved with the franchise since its inception. While Morkel is yet to lead a professional side as a head coach, he has been part of the coaching staff of the Namibia national team, Momentum Titans in South African domestic cricket, and at Texas Super Kings. Having also played for the Chennai Super Kings, Morkel knows the Super Kings culture and what is expected of him going forward.

"It is an incredible honor to be appointed Head Coach of the Joburg Super Kings," said Morkel in a statement.

"From wearing the Super Kings jersey as a player to now leading one of its franchises as Head Coach, this journey is truly special. I look forward to building on the strong foundations we've created together and helping this group achieve its full potential."

It will be interesting to see if Morkel will begin his new tenure at the top with a new full-time captain in Donovan Ferreira or if Faf du Plessis will stay on as the official captain. Du Plessis might do a MS Dhoni and relinquish the captain's hat as part of a transition to a new era of the franchise in the SA20 while he plays on for a season or two.

His first assignment will not be an easy game as his side will travel to the Winelands of Paarl at Boland Park to play Paarl Royals. Their first home match is against Sunrisers Eastern Cape on 23 January at the Wanderers Cricket Stadium.