Mandla Mashimbyi named head coach of South Africa women's team

Mandla Mashimbyi has been appointed as the new head coach of the South Africa Women's team, Cricket South Africa confirmed on Friday (November 29).

"Mandla will focus on preparing the team for international competitions, implementing high-performance strategies, driving CSA's transformation goals, and building a culture of excellence and pride," CSA said in a statement.

Even though he never played international cricket, Mashimbyi played professional cricket for the Titans, Knights and the Griquas. He played 44 one-day games and 39 first-class matches before retiring in 2010 due to persistent knee injuries.

As a coach, the 44-year-old has won multiple championships with Titans and has also had stints with the senior Men's team as a bowling coach and an assistant coach. Recently, he was the fast bowling coach for Paarl Royals in SA20. He will take over from interim head coach Dillon du Preez.

"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. Their unwavering support and unwavering backing over the past eleven years have been instrumental in my professional growth and development."