Eastern Province CEO Chellan to helm Associate cricket in Africa

Associate cricket in Africa will have a new office and a new man at the helm. Jesse Chellan, former Dolphins and current Eastern Province CEO, has been appointed as the ICC's regional director for cricket in Africa and will take up the post, based at CSA's offices in Johannesburg, in September.

Chellan effectively takes over from Cassim Sulieman who was the CEO of the Africa Cricket Association, an organisation which had offices at Benoni's Willowmoore Park but has not been brought under the ICC's operations. That means development on the continent will be co-ordinated by the ICC, with Chellan overseeing all activities.

A pharmaceutical graduate, Chellan has a wealth of experience in cricket, having headed up the Dolphins since 2009. He was in charge there for five years, during which they won their only standalone cup in the 20-over tournament, before moving to Port Elizabeth in late 2014.

He has spent 17 months at the Eastern Province union, which was steeped in financial trouble on his arrival. During his tenure at Eastern Province, Chellan ushered the union onto stable ground and secured sponsors. They were named CSA's most improved affiliate in South Africa in 2016, which earned them financial reward. He has also overseen several upgrades to St George's Park, particularly in the corporate suites. Eastern Province will begin the process to recruit a new CEO next week.

They are not the only South African outfit in search of new leadership. Kwa-Zulu Natal are also on the hunt after Pete de Wet took up an offer from Central Districts in New Zealand and is relocating next month.