Reports: CSK veterans Stephen Fleming, Faf du Plessis set to coach, captain Johannesburg Super Kings

It has been reported that the Chennai Super Kings veterans Stephen Fleming and former batter Faf du Plessis will be serving the Joburg Super Kings as coach and captain respectively in the eagerly-anticipated CSA T20 League that is scheduled to be played in January and February next year.

Faf is one of the five direct signings of the franchise and he has been roped in for a sum of  US$375,000. Du Plessis’ former CSK teammate and star England all-rounder Moeen Ali has also been signed by the Johannesburg Super Kings for  $400,000.

Faf du Plessis to captain in CSA’s new T20 League

Faf du Plessis was one of the integral members of CSK and was also a part of three of their IPL title triumphs in 2011, 2018, and 2021 editions. In his 10-year association with the Chennai-based franchise, the former South African skipper has featured in 100 matches in two stints- 2011-2015 and  2018 to 2021. The 2021 season was Faf’s personal best as he finished as the second-highest run-getter of the tournament scoring 633 runs from all 16 outings at an outstanding strike rate of 138.20 including six half-centuries.

Meanwhile, the other players from the list of Johannesburg’s five signings include the likes of emerging Sri Lankan offie Maheesh Theekshana ($200,000), Caribbean all-rounder Romario Shepherd ($175,000), and Proteas speedster Gerald Coetzee ($50,000).

As far as the coaching staff is concerned, Stephen Fleming will be the head coach of the Joburg franchise, and Eric Simmons will be assisting him.

However, according to reports in ESPNcricinfo, it is still unsure whether Moeen Ali will be making himself available for the CSA T20 League or another high-profile franchise cricket tournament the UAE’s ILT20 which is expected to coincide with the South African league early next year.  Ali has also expressed his interest to participate in the International League T20.

At the same time, the report further adds that the franchise is on the verge of signing former South Africa and CSK all-rounder Albie Morkel, but his role is not known yet.