Dolphins firm up coaching staff for new season
As the 2025/26 season approaches, the Hollywoodbets Dolphins coaching staff for both the men's and women's sides have been confirmed.
The Dolphins said farewell to Mduduzi Mbatha who took up the head coach role at Northern Cape and Devon van Onselen who has received an opportunity in Japan.
After a successful stint with the Dolphins as batting consultant, Henry David’s role has been extended to assistant coach for the upcoming season.
"I felt that he did a really good job with our boys," Friend said. "He comes with good pedigree, experience and a great knowledge of the game having been involved with the Proteas and various T20 leagues around the world.”
"He's a well-respected guy around the country and brings a nice presence and calmness into our environment.”
"The team has bought into how Henry and I want us to play and the brand of cricket and philosophy we want to uphold as a team."
Another advantage that the pair of Friend and Davids hold is familiarity.
"We've got a good working relationship and I've known him for 20-plus years which comes from playing together and against each other as well as understanding each other as individuals."
The second change is Drikus Saaiman who has been named as the new Strength and Conditioning coach.
Saaiman brings in a wealth experience with a CV that includes success at the Warriors and most recently Pakistan. Friend is looking forward to having that knowledge at his disposal.
"Having that sort of experience in our camp is massive and the buy in from the players into what Dricus is asking has been huge.”
"It's fantastic for us to have the calibre of Drikus as our S&C coach," Friend added.
Aside from those two changes the back-room staff of the men's side will remain unchanged with Anderson Ndovela (logistics officer), Nick Moffit (physiotherapist), and Kushen Kishun (analyst) all remaining in their roles.
Prenasen Appanna and Jared Oosthuizen will continue to fill the roles of general support for the Hollywoodbets Dolphins men's side.
On the women's front Angelique Taai’s successful support team remains unchanged with Sandile Caluza continuing as assistance coach and Shafeeqa Pillay fulfilling a dual role as batting lead and team manager.
Renaav Singh is the team physiotherapist and Amandla Ntlangula is the team's strength and conditioning coach.
Hollywoodbets Dolphins Men's Coaching Staff:
Head Coach – Quinton Friend
Assistant Coach – Henry Davids
Logistics Officer – Anderson Ndovela
Physio – Nick Moffit
S&C – Drikus Saaiman
Analyst – Kushen Kishun
General support – Prenasen Appanna
General support – Jared Oosthuizen
Hollywoodbets Dolphins Women's Coaching Staff:
Head Coach – Angelique Taai
Assistant Coach – Sandile Caluza
Team Manager & Batting lead – Shafeeqa Pillay
Physio – Renaav Singh
S&C – Amandla Ntlangula
