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South African Andy Kirsten has accepted terms to coach Kenya until the 2009 World Cup qualifying competition, Cricket Kenya officials said on Monday. The 44-year-old, who was assistant coach to Indian Sandeep Patil during the country’s sensational performance in the 2003 World Cup where they reached the semifinals, is expected to take up the new role in April. “Yes we have agreed terms with Kirsten,” Cricket Kenya chief Samir Inamdar said. “The only thing we are awaiting is his confirmation that he would start work by mid April,” he added. Kirsten, who played 11 first class internationals for his country, is a member of the legendary South African cricketing family that includes his half brother Gary who took over as new coach of India last December. He will replace former West Indies Roger Harper who opted not to renew his two-year contract last September and returned home to the Caribbean. Inamdar said Kirsten’s ultimate task is to ensure Kenya qualify for the 2011 Cricket World Cup in the Asian sub-continent. It is the first time since 1999 that the east Africans will have to go through the qualifiers after earning automatic berths to the 2003 and 2007 competitions.

Source:Cricket News