Following Hilton Moreeng’s 11-year tenure as the head coach of the South Africa women’s cricket team and Dillon du Preez’s interim role, Cricket South Africa (CSA) has officially appointed Mandla Mashimbyi as the permanent head coach. Mashimbyi, a highly regarded figure in South African cricket, will take charge starting from the ODI leg of the ongoing England series.
Moreeng, appointed in December 2012, played a pivotal role in the team’s transition into the professional era. His tenure saw significant achievements, including back-to-back ODI World Cup semi-final appearances in 2017 and 2022, a T20 World Cup semi-final in 2020, and their maiden final appearance in the 2023 edition.
Moreeng was awarded a three-year contract extension in 2020, until the 2023 T20 World Cup. However, he stayed on a little longer as CSA had hoped he would continue until the 2025 World Cup, allowing for a smoother transition. This plan, however, did not materialize and he also faced significant dissatisfaction from senior players over his decade-long tenure.
While he has since taken charge of the United States women’s cricket team, Dillon du Preez, in his brief seven-month stint, guided South Africa to consecutive T20 World Cup Finals in October 2024—the only major event during his tenure. This appointment comes after South Africa lost the three-match T20I series to England during the ongoing home series. Mashimbyi will now take over as head coach for the three ODIs and the one-off Test.
At 44, Mandla Mashimbyi brings over a decade of coaching experience at both domestic and international levels. His resume includes serving as the assistant and bowling coach for South Africa’s men’s team, working with the Paarl Royals in South Africa’s premier T20 competition, and leading the Titans to multiple championship victories in the domestic circuit.
During his cricketing career from 2003 to 2010, Mashimbyi played professionally for the Titans, Knights, and Griquas before persistent knee injuries forced him into early retirement. The pacer claimed 103 wickets in 39 first-class matches for the Titans and Northerns, while also featuring in 44 one-day games. He played a key role in Northerns’ triumphs in the three-day and one-day competitions during the 2005/06 season and captained the side to victory in the CSA One-Day Challenge in 2009/10.
Commenting on his appointment, Mandla said, “I am fully cognizant of the significant responsibilities and expectations associated with this esteemed position. At this juncture, I am deeply appreciative of the opportunity to contribute my expertise and knowledge to the Proteas Women’s continued success and to elevate their standing as a formidable force in world cricket.”
(Quotes sourced from Super Sport)
Loves all things female cricket
