Mandla Mashimbyi is the new head coach for South Africa Women as he replaces interim coach Dillon du Preez.
Mandla Mashimbyi appointed as South Africa Women’s full-time head coach. This ends the vacuum that had existed in the role since Hilton Moreeng brought his 11-year stint to an end.
Previously Moreeng’s assistant, Dillon du Preez had stepped in as temporary manager and led South Africa to second place in the T20 World Cup in the United Arab Emirates last month. But he had hinted that “the team needs a little bit more” and had been unsure about staying in the position.
The three-match home ODI series against England, which starts in Kimberley on December 4, will be Mashimbyi’s first assignment. A one-time test in Bloemfontein from December 15–18 will come after that. The third and final game of the series will take place in Centurion on Saturday, and England is presently leading 2-0 in the T20I phase of their tour.
“It is with a profound sense of honour and humility that I accept the appointment as the Proteas Women’s Coach,” Mashimbyi said. “I am fully cognizant of the significant responsibilities and expectations associated with this esteemed position.
“I am profoundly grateful for the exceptional opportunity bestowed upon me by Titans Cricket throughout my tenure as a coach,” he said. “Their unwavering support and unwavering backing over the past eleven years have been instrumental in my professional growth and development.
“At this juncture, I am deeply appreciative of the opportunity to contribute my expertise and knowledge to the Proteas Women continued success and to elevate their standing as a formidable force in world cricket.”
Mashimbyi, a fast bowler who played 48 First Class matches, 49 List A matches, and one Twenty20 match during his 2003–10 domestic career in South Africa, has a wealth of coaching expertise, especially with the Titans, a very successful team. He has also enjoyed positions with the South Africa Men as an assistant coach and bowling coach. Most recently, he was the fast-bowling coach for the Paarl Royals in the SA20.