By Staff Reporter
PHALABORWA – Phalaborwa-born cricket coach Mandla Mashimbyi has made history by leading the Proteas Women’s National Cricket Team to their first-ever ICC Women’s World Cup Final.
South Africa secured their spot in the final after a massive 125-run victory over England at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati, cementing their place in history. The Proteas will now face India in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup Final on Sunday, 2 November 2025, at the Dr DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai, starting at 11:00 AM (CAT).
The 44-year-old Mashimbyi, who hails from Phalaborwa, is a former fast bowler who played for the Titans, Knights, and Griquas between 2003 and 2010. During his playing career, he featured in 48 first-class matches, taking 103 wickets at an average of 29.09, and 49 List A matches, claiming 59 wickets at an average of 28.03.
After a career-ending injury in 2010, Mashimbyi transitioned into coaching, where he has accumulated over a decade of experience locally and internationally. He holds a CSA Level 4 Coaching Certificate and has guided teams like the Northerns Titans to multiple championships.
Mashimbyi also served as the bowling coach for the Proteas men’s team and later for SA20’s Paarl Royals, further building his reputation as one of South Africa’s most respected cricket mentors.
He took over as head coach of the Proteas Women in November 2024, replacing Hilton Moreeng, who led the team for 11 years. Under Mashimbyi’s leadership, the team has shown remarkable unity and discipline — qualities he believes have been key to their success.
“The key to our success at the ICC Women’s World Cup has been the unity within the team. When I came in, I noticed we weren’t exactly pulling in the same direction, but now, everyone is fully committed to one goal,” Mashimbyi said.
The government has called on all South Africans to rally behind the Proteas Women, urging citizens to wear green and gold, watch the match, and show national pride as the team aims to lift the trophy for the first time.
Mopani District Executive Mayor, Cllr Pule Shayi, also expressed his support, revealing that he personally reached out to Mashimbyi to send best wishes to him and the team ahead of the historic final.
“We are proud of Coach Mandla Mashimbyi, a son of Phalaborwa, for flying the Mopani flag high. We wish him and the Proteas Women all the best as they make history this Sunday,” said Mayor Shayi.
South Africa now stands on the brink of glory, with hopes high that Mashimbyi’s leadership will guide the Proteas Women to their first-ever World Cup triumph.
