Zaahier Adams
New Proteas’ Women’s coach Mandla Mashimbyi has admitted it is “a dream come true” after being appointed head coach of the national team.
Mashimbyi was appointed last week, taking over the reins from Dillon du Preez, who was serving the team on an interim basis since long-serving coach Hilton Moreeng resigned back in June to pursue new adventures in the United States of America.
Du Preez will remain in charge for the three-match ODI series starting against England today in Kimberley, but Mashimbyi did meet up with his new charges last night.
“It's obviously a dream come true to be able to make a small difference in making sure that the Proteas Women's team reach the heights that everybody wants them to reach,” Mashimbyi said.
“So it's truly an honour for me, really. It's not something that I was thinking about for a long time, but, you know, now that it's here and I think it will all make sense once I start working and hit the road running.”
The Proteas have reached successive T20 World Cup finals over the past couple of years, but their depth was tested in the recent 3-0 series defeat to England. A major goal for Mashimbyi once he assumes the position will be how to integrate an ageing group of stellar performers along with a crop of young talent.
“I've definitely been reflecting over the last few weeks on where I believe the team can go,” said Mashimbyi.
“For me, the key is to see a united team, one that enjoys being together. It’s about creating an environment that nurtures players and allows them to reach their full potential.
“Once we achieve that, I am confident we’ll become an unstoppable force in cricket. Additionally, we need to establish processes, both philosophically and practically, regarding how we train and play.
“The public will see this transformation in the team’s attitude and the intensity they bring to every game. That’s my priority—ensuring we play with purpose and high energy.”
Cricket South Africa Director of Cricket Enoch Nkwe indicated that there was a strong desire to appoint the first female head coach of the Proteas’ Women’s team, but that at this stage Mashimbyi remained the best candidate for the position at this stage.
“Look, it is part of the strategic plan to rope in women's coaches,” Nkwe said.
“If you look at our domestic structures, we have quite a few of them. Last year, I mean, actually earlier this year in winter, we had the likes of (Western Province coach) Claire (Terblanche), who went to India with the team.
“It's just to get to understand also the environment in terms of what is required at that level and assist us in terms of filtering key information down and obviously the culture, the playing system and all of that.
“But, you know, through our high performance, we are really focusing on ensuring that we provide that support for our ladies across the board.
Yeah, like I said, it is part of our strategy plan down the line to make sure that we get to a point where we can be in a strong position to appoint a female to lead the project. So, it is work in progress.”