Queensland Cricket has signed former South African captain Johan Botha as the new head coach of the Bulls and Brisbane Heat on a three-year deal.

The 42-year-old, who represented the Proteas in 123 matches between 2005 and 2012, will replace Wade Seccombe after the former Queensland representative stepped down from the dual role in March.

“We’re excited to announce Johan will take on the Heat and Bulls coaching roles and look forward to welcoming he and his family to Queensland,’’ Queensland Cricket chief executive Terry Svenson said in a statement.

“We had several high-quality applicants and Johan stood out in the interview process with his experience as an international player, and more recently as a coach, as well as his familiarity with Australian Cricket since moving here from South Africa more than a decade ago.”

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Botha, who captained South Africa in ten ODIs, played 71 Big Bash League games for the Adelaide Strikers, Sydney Sixers and Hobart Hurricanes. The off-spinner, who briefly served as captain of South Australia and the Strikers, became an Australian citizen in 2016 before playing his last professional game in 2021.

Since his retirement, Botha has taken on assistant coaching roles with the Strikers and the Seattle Orcas in Major League Cricket. He also mentored the Sharjah Warriors in the ILT20, the Multan Sultans, Karachi Kings and Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League and Guyana in the Caribbean Premier League.

The Heat are the reigning BBL champions, having toppled the Sixers in January’s final at the SCG, while the Bulls finished bottom of the Sheffield Shield ladder last summer.

“There is a lot to look forward to for Queensland Cricket and I can’t wait to hit the ground running in what will be an exciting and fulfilling challenge,’’ Botha said.

“This is an incredible opportunity with the playing talent and experience that the two squads will be able to call upon.

“The Bulls have strong ties to success, and I have no doubt the playing group already aspire to be deeply competitive this summer.

“The Heat were skilful and professional on the way to their BBL title and have an enviable base to pursue new challenges in the coming seasons.

“My family and I are looking forward to making the move to Queensland and becoming part of the cricket community.”