Dillon Du Preez named as the new Interim Head Coach of the South African Women’s team as CSA ends Hilton Moreeng’s 11-year tenure at the helm.
The South African Women’s team led by skipper Laura Wolvaardt hosted Sri Lanka for a limited-overs series. They ended up on the losing side in the T20I series. However, they managed to draw the ODI series.
Hilton Moreeng was appointed as the head coach of the South African senior women’s cricket team in the year 2013. He took the Proteas Women to number two in the ICC Women’s ODI Team Rankings. South Africa is currently at number three in the ODI Rankings and number five in the T20I rankings. He also guided the Proteas Women to their first-ever appearance in a World Cup final in the ICC Women’s T20I World Cup in South Africa in 2023.
The men’s team has not yet managed to make it to the final in the ICC events, making the achievement of Sune Luus-led senior women’s side even more significant. He also guided South Africa to a semi-final appearance in the ICC Women’s ODI World Cup in New Zealand when they ended up on the losing side against England by a massive 137-run margin.
In January, earlier this year, Cricket South Africa (CSA) received a request for a change in the coaching unit from some of the senior members of the side with an intent to bring in a flow of fresh ideas. However, it wasn’t possible for an immediate change, hence his tenure was extended till the end of the 2023-24 season to provide some time to implement the request made by the members of the side.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to lead such a talented group of athletes over the years. I want to express my sincere appreciation to all the players and team management who have been instrumental in this journey. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside each of you. I would also like to thank the South African fans and the media for their unwavering support throughout this journey. Your encouragement has been a constant source of motivation.” Hilton Moreeng expresses his gratitude for the overwhelming love and support received from the management, players, and fans during his tenure as the head coach of the South African senior women’s cricket team.
The CSA finally found a capable candidate in Dillon Du Preez who is all set to replace Hilton Moreeng at the helm, as Interim head coach and take Proteas women forward with a rejuvenated approach with a change in think tank. The South African women’s team led by skipper Laura Wolvaardt will travel to India for an all-format series which includes a three-match ODI series, followed by a one-off Test match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai and then a three-match T20I series in June 2024.
(Quotes sourced from Espncricinfo).