Greame Smith named Benoni Zalmi Head Coach

Johannesburg, South Africa: Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith has been named Head Coach of Benoni Zalmi, who are set to take part in the Global T20 League.

Prolific first-class left-handed batsman Geoffrey Toyana will be the Assistant Coach of the team. Asked how he felt being involved with the Benoni Zalmi, Smith said: “I’m excited and looking forward to this association.”

The various talents of the team, to be decided later, combined with Smith’s proved track record is an exciting combination that fans should look forward to. Bringing his varied expertise and leadership skills, Smith is perfectly poised to guide Benoni Zalmi to the top of the Global T20 League.

Smith said he relished the prospect of working with Chairman Benoni Zalmi and Peshawar Zalmi, Javed Afridi. Javed said on the occasion: “In Pakistan, Zalmi is a beacon of hope for the youth. With Benoni Zalmi we aim to create the same hope and become a bridge between passion and opportunity for the South African youth.

“As an entrepreneur, I’ve always believed nurturing and enabling leadership. “Nowhere is the importance and impact of leadership more visible than in sports. I am passionate about creating young leaders and believe Graeme Smith, who successfully led the South African cricket team for so long, is the model of leadership and inspiration for the talent that will form Benoni Zalmi.

“We look forward to Graeme’s valuable inputs and guidance to inspire youth to strive towards changing their destiny using Benoni Zalmi as a platform,” Javed added. On August 27, the eight teams participating in the Global T20 League will pick their squads in a highly-anticipated draft in Cape Town.