South African (SA) legend Graeme Smith has been announced as the head coach of Javed Afridi’s Benoni Zalmi in Global T20 League. The league will be played from November 2nd to December 15th, 2017 in South Africa. Afridi is also the owner of Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) season two winner Peshawar Zalmi.
Former SA captain will head coach the side while prolific First-Class left-handed batsman Geoffrey Toyana will be his Assistant Coach. Formerly associated with the RCB, Russell Adams will be taking on the role of Tournament Director for the Global T20 League.
Read: Peshawar Zalmi to train Global Zalmi players during PSL Season 3
On being asked about how he felt about being involved with the Benoni Zalmi, Graeme Smith said, “I’m excited and looking forward to this association.”
Will be the first game of the GLT20 – Benoni Zalmi vs Cape Town Knight Riders! pic.twitter.com/OQBGLIcSnf
— zainab abbas (@ZAbbasOfficial) August 18, 2017
Smith’s proven track record is an exciting combination that fans should look forward to. Bringing his varied expertise and leadership skills, he is perfectly poised to guide Benoni Zalmi to the top of the Global T20 League.
Also read: PSL Champion Peshawar Zalmi rewards young talent
The legend also mentioned relishing the prospect of working with Chairman Benoni Zalmi and Peshawar Zalmi, Mr Javed Afridi in his new role.
With your addition @GraemeSmith49 I am sure @BenoniZalmi will do wonders. Its about leadership & your career as captain makes BZ stronger. pic.twitter.com/CxwnMITnJc
— Javed Afridi (@JAfridi10) August 21, 2017
Afridi also shared his views on the occasion and said, “In Pakistan, Zalmi is a beacon of hope for the youth. With Benoni Zalmi we aim to create the same hope and become a bridge between passion and opportunity for the South African youth.”
“I am passionate about creating young leaders and believe Graeme Smith, who successfully led the South African cricket team for so long, is the model of leadership and inspiration for the talent that will form Benoni Zalmi,” he continued.
On August 27th, eight participating teams in the Global T20 League will pick their squads in a highly-anticipated draft in Cape Town.
 legend Graeme Smith has been announced as the head coach of Javed Afridi's Benoni Zalmi in Global T20 League.){kind=link}