LIMPOPO – Mandla Mashimbyi, a cricket coach from Lulekani outside of Phalaborwa, has been appointed as the new Proteas women’s coach by Cricket South Africa (CSA).

Overwhelmed by the honour, Mashimbyi expressed his excitement about leading a group of excellent players and hopes to bring out the best in them.

His immediate goal is for the team to automatically qualify for the World Cup in India next year in October.

In his debut match with the team, the Proteas won the one-day series against England in Kimberley by six wickets.

Mashimbyi emphasised the importance of winning matches to secure automatic qualification and aims to place the team in a better position.

Following his new appointment, Mashimbyi resigned from his decade-long role as Momentum Titans coach, where he had started as an assistant coach.

Richard Das Neves has been appointed as the interim coach for the Titans until next year.

Mashimbyi encourages aspiring cricketers to be patient and hardworking, emphasising that one’s background does not determine their success.

He dreams of coaching the Proteas men’s team one day and anticipates more great achievements in his coaching career.