Former West Indies coach Phil Simmons has been named as head coach of the Bloem City Blazers, with Allan Donald as his bowling coach.

Simmons and Donald join a backroom staff already consisting of assistant coach Robin Peterson and director of cricket Robin Singh. The 54-year-old Simmons brings tournament-winning experience, having won the World T20 with West Indies in Kolkata in 2016.

Donald will take on the role of bowling mentor and team ambassador, and the 50-year-old boasts a CV that has seen him coach the likes of the Proteas, England, New Zealand and Sri Lanka.

The Bloem City Blazers are owned by Hong Kong-based City Group, and are one of eight franchises to feature in the tournament which runs from 3 November to 16 December.