Former Australian opening batsman Simon Katich has landed a new coaching job, taking over the reigns at new South African franchise the Mumbai Indians Cape Town.
South Africa's new domestic T20 competition, which launches this summer and forced the cancellation of a slated three-match ODI series in January between Australia and South Africa, has seen all six franchises become involved with Indian Premier League ownership, hence the Mumbai Indians name.
The franchise confirmed the appointment of Katich on Friday.
Katich, who played 56 Tests for Austrlaia between 2001 and 2010, and 45 ODIs between 2001 and 2006, while also averaging 52 with the bat in 266 first class games, retired in 2014 and began his coaching career in 2015 as an assistant at the Kolkata Knight Riders.
He has since acted as head coach of the Royal Challengers Bangalore, and as an assistant at the Sunrisers Hyderabad, exclusively coaching in the Indian Premier League at this stage.
Katich said he was excited to build a culture at the new franchise.
"It is always special to put together a new team, hone skills and build a team culture," Katich said.
"I look forward to ensuring that MI Cape Town develops into a team that leverages local talent and has MI core values at its heart."
Katich will work with former Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene, who is the global head of performance at the franchise, and Indian bowler Zaheer Khan, who is the head of global cricket development.
The Mumbai Indians also own a franchise in the United Arab Emirates.
The franchise also confirmed that Hashim Amla would work under Katich as the franchise's first batting coach.
The South African competition's player draft is set to be held in October.
