Trevor Penney has been appointed head coach of the Paarl Royals ahead of the 2025 SA20 season.

The former Zimbabwean cricketer will take the reins from Shane Bond, who will focus on preparations for the IPL with the Rajasthan Royals.

Penney’s appointment comes on the back of his success with the Barbados Royals in the Caribbean Premier League. Under his guidance, the two-time CPL champions finished as runners-up in 2022, narrowly missed out on the playoffs in 2023, and progressed to the second qualifier playoff of the 2024 season.

“I’m honored to take on the head coach role at the Paarl Royals,” said Penney. “The SA20 has become a major tournament on the global cricket calendar, and I’m excited to work with such a talented squad.

“Being part of the Royals family with Rajasthan Royals and Barbados Royals has been a wonderful journey, and I’m looking forward to continuing that experience in Paarl.

“I’m confident we can build on the successes of the last two seasons and make a strong push for the title in 2025.”