SA20: Ex-England coach Lisa Keightley backs more women to coach in men's football

In January, she will work as a tactical performance coach with Paarl Royals in South Africa's new Twenty20 league .

"I've coached nationally and internationally for 17 years so there's definitely something I can offer to men's football," said the Australian.

"Providing a different way of looking at strategies and bringing positive elements from women's football should have an impact.

"I would like more female coaches to contribute to men's football."

Keightley said she was approached for the role by Sri Lankan legend Kumar Sangakkara, director of cricket for the Royals, who was interested in appointing a female coach to provide a "different perspective on the game".

She will assist the coach- leader JP Duminy, the former South African batsman.

"With England, I was very strong on the tactical side and bringing in game analysis and then strategizing on which bowlers and batters matched,” Keightley said.

Former England wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor has become the first female franchise men's cricket coach when working with Team Abu Dhabi in the 2021 T10 League.

She was also an assistant coach for Manchester Originals men during The Hundred this year.

Matthew Mott led England to the men's T20 World Cup title in November, having been named earlier this year. a year after achieving significant success with the Australia women's team.

"If we could cross like that it would be pretty special," Keightley said.

The inaugural season of SA20 - a tournament of six-team franchise where all teams have been bought by Indian Premier League owners - starts January 10.

Jos Buttler, England captain of the white ball will play for the Royals alongside teammate Jason Roy and former England skipper Eoin Morga n.m.

Sam Curran and Liam Livingstone will play for MI Cape, who have also signed England bowler Jofra Archer as their signature wildcards .

Archer has not played since July 2021 due to injury.