Stockholm: South African legend Jonty Rhodes has been appointed as the next head coach of Sweden’s national men’s side, according to a statement from the Swedish Cricket Federation. The move is a part of their plan to invest in junior cricket and high performance in the country.
“Cricket is the second-fastest growing sport in Sweden seeing a 300 per cent increase in participation over the past two years,” the statement said. “I am really excited to relocate to Sweden with my family and work together with the Swedish Cricket community. This opportunity has come at a perfect time and I am grateful to be able to invest my energies in a completely new environment. I can’t wait to get started,” Rhodes was quoted as saying by swedishcricket.org.
BREAKING NEWS!
Swedish Cricket Federation to invest in junior cricket, high performance & growth through the appointment of South African cricket great, Jonty Rhodes as head coach.
Read more here: https://t.co/FNZvpwyz4k pic.twitter.com/5qhRk00VUw— Cricket Sweden 🏏 (@Swedish_Cricket) September 10, 2020
The legendary fielder is currently in UAE working as the fielding coach of Kings XI Punjab in the IPL 2020 and will join his new side in November. “Our growth targets and key areas are directed toward junior cricket and high performance. Jonty will play a pivotal role in lifting our players as well as assisting in securing quality coaching framework for the future sustainability of the game,” Benn Harradine, sports director of the Swedish Cricket Federation, said. “I am delighted to have him as part of our small and ambitious team.”
