North West Cricket have appointed former Lions coach Gordon Parsons Cricket Services Manager.

Parson’s and former head coach Geoffrey Toyana left the Lions before the start of the 2018-19 season, after the franchise finished last in the Sunfoil Series (now the 4-Day Franchise Series) – South Africa’s premier first-class competition.

 ‘We feel we have made an excellent choice based on Gordon’s expertise, experience and talent,’ said North West Cricket chief executive officer Vincent Prior.

‘For the last eight seasons, Gordon has been the Lions bowling coach, having been previously the head coach for four seasons.

‘He was the South Africa A coach in the series against Sri Lanka A here in South Africa in September 2009, as well as against the Australian team the following year.

‘Throughout his career he has worked with the national academy and the emerging squad, as well as spending a year as director of coaching at North West Cricket, which meant working with coaches and setting up an academy.

‘We look forward to working with Gordon in this new appointment.’

The 58-year-old Parson’s contract will start on 1 November 2018.

He was the brother-in-law of the late Hansie Cronje – and played 338 matches for Boland, Griqualand West, Leicestershire, Orange Free State and Warwickshire during a near two-decade career.