Mystery surrounds the departure of Knights coach Sarel Cilliers, who has been succeeded by Nicky Boje, the former Proteas left-arm spinner, in a temporary capacity.

But just as the cricket season was kicking off in early October, Cilliers was enthusiastically looking forward to taking the franchise forward after a difficult period. At the end of 2014, Cilliers was effectively made redundant and had to reapply for his position.

‘We’re definitely looking to improve on our performances from last season,’ he said in an interview. ‘Every year you try and do things a little bit better and a little bit differently to the previous season to try and change the results.

‘We’ve done that and there’s certainly a big drive to do well. And just like all the other franchises will probably tell you, we have our eyes on all the trophies this year.’

The change of coach comes just 24 hours after the Highveld Lions smashed the Knights in a Momentum One Day Cup match, leaving them bottom of the log with just two wins from five matches.

Central Franchise CEO, Johan van Heerden, commented: ‘It is very sad to say goodbye to Sarel. Thank you for what you did for Free State Cricket Union and the Eagles/Knights. You were a fantastic professional and an example for any professional cricketer.’

 Boje will act as head coach until a permanent appointment is made in May next year.

As a cricketer, Boje played 43 Tests and 115 One-Day Internationals as an all-rounder for South Africa between 1995 and 2006.  He was appointed as head coach for the Free State Cricket Union Academy in 2014.