From player to coach

IMRAAN Khan has taken up the position as assistant coach of the Hollywoodbets Dolphins, heralding the end of the former left-handed opening batsman’s playing career.

Khan will assume his role with immediate effect and will serve in this capacity for the duration of current coach Grant Morgan’s contract.

The Durban-born and raised all-rounder shot to fame as the captain of South Africa’s U19 team which toured England in 2003 before he earned his solitary test cap in the third test against Australia in 2009.

Imraan has played in 161 games, has scored shy of 10 000 runs as a left-handed batsman and took 62 wickets with his off-spinners. In 2009 he was named Player of the Year in the then SuperSport Series.

He will take up the leadership role at a key stage in the Sunfoil series as the team is a serious contender for the 2016/17 title.

Imraan said the move from player to coach was one that excited him and looks forward to contributing to the team environment under Grant Morgan.

“It has been a pretty easy transition from player to assistant coach,” said Imran. “I have a good relationship with the players and have worked with Grant Morgan for a number of years at KZN Inland and then with the Dolphins.

“I am excited about the challenge and am looking forward to learning from Grant’s experience, as well as further my skills and ambitions as a coach.”