Klusener, 40, who has completed a level-three coaching course under the auspices of Cricket South Africa, takes over from Graham Ford who resigned a week ago.
It has been reported that Ford will soon be appointed as Sri Lanka’s new coach.
Klusener represented the Dolphins with distinction during his playing career and was captain the last time they won a trophy, when the team shared the SuperSport Series title with the Titans during the 2005/06 season.
“Being a former Dolphin, I am very proud of my team and want to be part of the process of rebuilding the team to its rightful place as SA’s number one franchise,” Klusener said in a statement.
Klusener, who is affectionately known as ‘Zulu’, takes over a team that finds itself in a bit of a muddle. The Dolphins are currently bottom of the four-day SuperSport Series standings after failing to win in seven matches.
The former all-rounder, who played in 49 Tests and 171 one-day internationals for his country, will be thrust straight into action with the Dolphins set to take on the Chevrolet Warriors in a SuperSport match at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead in Durban on Thursday.
“With Lance’s vast experience at our disposal, we believe that our players will be challenged and want to perform. Lance also has first-hand knowledge on the dynamics and makeup of our team,” Fa-eez Jaffar, the president of the KZN Cricket Union said.