In a significant move to bolster their coaching setup, Cricket Namibia has appointed former World Cup-winning India coach Gary Kirsten as a consultant for their men's national teams. Kirsten will partner with head coach Craig Williams to prepare the Namibian side for the upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka in February-March 2026.
Kirsten's Stellar Coaching Pedigree
The former South African opening batsman, who retired from international cricket in 2004, transitioned seamlessly into coaching. His most notable achievement came as the head coach of the Indian national team from 2007, where he masterminded their triumphant campaign in the 2011 ODI World Cup. Following his successful stint with India, Kirsten took on the role of head coach for his home nation, South Africa. He has also garnered extensive experience in various T20 franchise leagues across the globe and had a brief tenure as the head coach of the Pakistan men's team in 2024.
A Privilege to Work with Cricket Namibia
Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Gary Kirsten stated in an official release from Cricket Namibia that it was a privilege to be associated with the board. "I have been thoroughly impressed with the dedication and determination to create a high-performance cricket environment," Kirsten said. He specifically praised the new state-of-the-art cricket stadium as a testament to Namibia's commitment to competing with the world's best cricketing nations.
Kirsten highlighted the strong performance of the senior men's national team and confirmed his focus would be on adding value to their preparations for the T20 World Cup next year. The Namibian team, known as the Eagles, has established a consistent presence on the global stage, having qualified for the last three T20 World Cups in 2021, 2022, and 2024.
Namibia's Ambitious Cricket Vision
Cricket Namibia's board stated that Kirsten's appointment underscores their commitment to strengthening the high-performance environment and supporting the existing coaching structure led by Craig Williams. The board emphasized that Kirsten's unique blend of international playing experience, proven coaching success, and passion for player development would bring valuable insight and added depth to the Eagles' setup.
This strategic hiring comes at a crucial time for Namibian cricket. The country is not only in contention for the next edition of the T20 World Cup but is also set to play a historic role as one of the three host nations for the 2026 tournament, alongside South Africa and Zimbabwe. The partnership with a coach of Kirsten's calibre is seen as a major step in ensuring the team is competitive on home soil and beyond.
