Johannesburg: Offspinner Johan Botha was appointed South Africa's new Twenty20 captain on Saturday, replacing Graeme Smith, who stepped down earlier this week.
Cricket South Africa said the 28-year-old Botha, who has previously led the team in Smith's absence, was the unanimous choice of the board.
"We have every confidence that he will do an excellent job leading up to the next edition of the ICC World Twenty20 in2012," CSA chief executive Gerald Majola said.
Botha, who has played 21 T20 internationals and taken 22 wickets at an average of 19.18, was proud to be offered the job.
"I am looking forward to working with such a special team," he said.
Botha takes over immediately ahead of T20 internationals against Zimbabwe and Pakistan later this year.
Smith will also quit as one-day captain after the 2011 World Cup in February, but CSA said it has not yet decided on his successor.
Botha also hopes to be considered for the one-day role. He captained the Proteas to a one-day series win in Australia in 2009 when Smith was injured.
"I will have three Pro20 (Twenty20) games before the World Cup and hopefully we can play some good cricket during that period," Botha said. "If everything goes according to plan, I would like to think I have a chance of captaining in the 50-overs format as well when Graeme stands down at the end of the World Cup."
South African convener of selectors Andrew Hudson said Botha's appointment was part of the process of "refreshing" the Proteas' T20 squad.
"Johan has an excellent record as a leader," Hudson said.
