PROTEAS WOMEN HEAD COACH UNITING EXPERIENCE AND YOUTH FOR TRI-SERIES SUCCESS.

As the Proteas Women gear up for the One-Day International (ODI) Tri-Series in Sri Lanka later this month, head coach Mandla Mashimbyi has shared insights into the heart of his coaching philosophy, a deliberate and deeply human approach aimed at creating a balanced, resilient, and connected team environment.

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Speaking ahead of the tour, Mashymbi detailed his vision of fostering a culture where youthful talent complements seasoned experience, and where developing the person is just as important as developing the cricketer.

“Skill is skill, but when coupled with a good human being, you'll get a lot more out of that player. My coaching philosophy is rooted in growing the human. If that part is nurtured, then the cricketer thrives,” said Mashymbi.

Throughout the weeklong training camp, which took place in Tshwane last week, connecting mindset and execution became a key objective. What you think versus how you do it was a key theme which echoed throughout all team discussions.

In his short time with the team, Mashymbi has already started building a cultural shift. One of the key initiatives was introducing personal autobiographies, an exercise designed to help players understand one another beyond cricket.

“In teams, we often fall into the trap of thinking we know each other, but knowing someone’s name and role is not knowing their journey. When players understand what others have overcome to get here, they’ll fight harder for one another,” he explained. 

This team-first ethos extends to the way he balances the squad. With experienced leaders like Chloé Tyron playing in her 14th year in the national setup alongside youthful talents like 17-year-old Karabo Meso, Mashymbi sees opportunity, not risk.

“I'm a coach who is youth-mad because of what they bring. They come with no baggage, they come with an open mind to want to have an impact on the environment, which is good,” he noted. 

“Youngsters bring energy and fearlessness. They want to learn, they want to contribute. Experience, on the other hand, brings calm, structure, and a deep understanding of the game. It’s about marrying the two, and when they work hand in hand, we get the best of both worlds.”

Mashymbi has empowered all senior players to take on mentorship roles, while ensuring the environment is open enough for younger players to voice their ideas and assert their presence.

“Everyone in the team must feel they belong. Once players know their relevance in the space, whether it’s mentoring, energy, or performance, then the team really begins to grow.”

For Mashymbi, true success lies in the moment players instinctively uphold team values, not because they’ve been told to, but because that’s simply who they are. Mashymbi has shown faith in young players like Karabo Meso, Seshnie Naidu, and Miané Smit, not just as short-term selections but as long-term investments.

“Karabo has been really good this last year with the bat, and Seshnie brings a different dynamic into the team as a leggy. Miané is somebody who is also promising with the bat. They’ve earned this opportunity with their performances and potential.”

“It’s better to expose them now in a safe environment where they can learn through both failure and success. In a few years, they’ll be major contributors to South African cricket,” he added.

As for the immediate goal ahead of the Sri Lanka ODI Tri-Series, Mashimbyi said, “Right now, it’s all about laying the foundation. When the time is right, we’ll sell the dream. But first, we build, and we build together.”

Proteas Women Squad – ODI Tri-Series

Laura Wolvaardt (Captain) (Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Lara Goodall (World Sports Betting Western Province), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions), Masabata Klaas (Fidelity Titans), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans)  Karabo Meso (DP World Lions), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Seshnie Naidu (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Nondumiso Shangase (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), *Miané Smit (Knights) and Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions)

*Uncapped

Fixtures – ODI Tri-Series

Sunday, 27 April @ 06h30 SAST – 1st ODI – Sri Lanka vs India (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Tuesday, 29 April @ 06h30 SAST – 2nd ODI: India vs South Africa (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Friday, 02 May @ 06h30 SAST – 3rd ODI: Sri Lanka vs South Africa (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Sunday, 04 May @ 06h30 SAST – 4th ODI: Sri Lanka vs India (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Wednesday, 07 May @ 06h30 SAST – 5th ODI: South Africa vs India (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Friday, 09 May @ 06h30 SAST – 6th ODI: Sri Lanka vs South Africa (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)

Sunday, 11 May @ 06h30 SAST – Final: 1st Place vs 2nd Place (R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium, Colombo)