Phalaborwa coach leads Proteas women with pride

PHALABORWA – Phalaborwa-born Proteas women’s coach Mandla Mashimbyi says his hometown should be proud of how the national team performed at the ICC 2025 Women’s Cricket World Cup in Mumbai, India, on Sunday.

Despite a spirited effort, South Africa fell 52 runs short of victory after India posted 298/7, with the Proteas bowled out for 246 in 45.3 overs.

South African captain Laura Wolvaardt shone with a superb century, scoring 101 runs before being dismissed, earning praise from fans and players alike.

Lulekani rallies behind hometown hero

Mashimbyi said he is extremely proud of his team’s performance throughout the tournament, which began in September. “They showed great character and fought hard right to the end,” he told the Herald.

The coach, who hails from Lulekani outside Phalaborwa, said he has been overwhelmed by the love and support from his hometown.

“I’ve been receiving so many calls and messages on social media, it’s been overwhelmingly good. I’m the son of my community, and what many people don’t realise is how much they’ve contributed to the person I am today,” he said.

“I’m truly grateful for their support. I’m sorry we couldn’t bring the trophy home this time, but soon we will.”

Coach reflects on pride and progress

Mashimbyi, who was appointed head coach last year, told the Herald at the time that his main goal was to qualify for the World Cup, an achievement he has now proudly ticked off. He said there were “more positives than negatives” to take from the tournament.

Back home in Lulekani, his brother Sipho Mashimbyi set up a big-screen TV at their family home, where community members gathered to cheer on the Proteas. Among them was Themba Ngobeni, Mandla’s first cricket coach from primary school.

Ngobeni said he is very proud of his former learner’s achievements. “You are an international coach, and we are proud of you,” he said. “Never feel small because of where you come from, continue to shine.”