He is now using his expertise to the women’s game by leading South Africa to the World Cup championship match.
Ignoring Mandla Mashimbyi is impossible. He is tall, bald, and bearded, and his rich baritone makes even the smallest statement seem significant. His presence fills a room. In his 11 seasons with the Titans, he helped lead the men’s teams to nine trophies, first as an assistant coach and then as head coach. He has gained a solid reputation as a strategist and inspiration, and he has long been considered one of the most esteemed cricket minds in South Africa.
His background in women’s cricket was questioned when he was named coach in November of last year. It appeared that the doubts were warranted when South Africa lost five of their first six ODIs under him. However, such worries have mainly subsided when they defeated India in the final on Sunday in Navi Mumbai after winning six of their previous seven tournaments.
To bridge the gender gap, did he have to change the way he operated?
Mandla Mashimbyi said, “No,” during a press conference on Friday. Collaborating with women has enabled me to hone abilities I was unaware I possessed. However, cricket is still cricket. When I speak to these girls, I use the same terminology that I do with the boys.
“I’ve developed coaching skills in this role that I probably wouldn’t have utilized in the men’s room. The females’ reactions to my techniques have been incredible, and I’ve discovered a lot about myself.”
Mandla Mashimbyi, who stands 1.93 meters tall and with a body to match, has the appearance and voice of someone who makes a living pushing pianos uphill. He’s a clever coach who recognizes talent and doesn’t hesitate to explore new innovative avenues in instructing.
At the age of 17, Mandla Mashimbyi pushed for the Titans to sign Dewald Brevis. Additionally, as a schoolboy, he supported Lhuan-dre Pretorius. What about his inventiveness?
I have a coaching style that is quite special. Instead than focusing on the cricket player, my mindset always aims to address the individual. My coaching style and my knowledge of the game are different. I employ a lot of techniques that many coaches wouldn’t, and the girls have reacted really well to them. I’m confident I can get the most performance out of my guys if they buy into it.”
This newness cleared the way for Mandla Mashimbyi to enter a dressing room full of outdated concepts following Hilton Moreeng’s more than 11 years as coach. The dressing room was also still dealing with the tumultuous divorces of Dane van Niekerk and Lizelle Lee, who retired due to conditioning problems.
An additional challenge to Van Niekerk’s departure was that her wife, Marizanne Kapp, continued to play a crucial role in the group. Mashimbyi’s next move could be to help make amends because Van Niekerk is making a comeback.
“When I came into the job I picked up division within the team, not necessarily in a malicious way,” Mashimbyi stated. “But I felt that as a team, we should do a better job of presenting a more cohesive face.
Giving them love, attention, and energy consistently is what matters most. Trust is increased as a result. The athletes’ talent has always been there, so it was crucial that we provide the ideal environment. Thus, we have already advanced to the finals.
but failed to win a prize. South Africa lost to Australia in the 2023 T20 World Cup final and to New Zealand in the 2024 tournament. This Sunday’s match will be their first ODI final.
The team they will face appears to have hit their snag just when they needed it most. The Australian automatons whose bloodless, colorless efficiency has dominated the women’s game for too long were mostly eliminated by Jemimah Rodrigues’ unbeaten 127 in Navi Mumbai on Thursday. They simply stand there and triumph. The competition has welcomed a new dimension as a result of India’s victory.
In the same way, South Africa should be commended for breaking through England’s sense of supremacy.
Despite your loud claims to the contrary, you are not unique because you believe and claim to be. What makes you credible? That’s what Laura Wolvaardt’s 169 in Guwahati on Wednesday posed. The English have limped home without answering it.
Wolvaardt’s innings was a study in dispassion, a monument to remaining composed even as most of those around her – especially the English – lost their heads. Rodrigues’ was the opposite; an emotional epic that ended with her diving into a pool of passion. That two such contrasting performances should propel teams to the final frontier is the magic of sport itself.
Now what? Not only are South Africa up against an Indian team on the rise, they’re up against India in India. But a hallmark of Wolvaardt’s side is that, unlike their male counterparts have done, they don’t choke. If they lose, their opponents have played better cricket than them. The Indians are well capable of doing so, but being capable and doing so are different. Even so, there will be anxiety.
“Nerves are something innate to us as human beings,” Mashimbyi said. “We need to make sure that we understand that nerves are our ally, not our enemy. It’s important that you feel the nerves because it shows that you care. But it’s also about embracing them and using that energy for good; to elevate you. Use that energy to perform at your best rather than to cut your legs off.
“We have to look after the needs, and the needs are in the process. If we can win those needs in that process, I can tell you now we’re going to bring the trophy back home. If we don’t look after the needs, we’re going to panic and chase things that are not tangible.”
Got it? Maybe not, but who can argue with a big, bald, bearded man whose booming baritone – and unconventionality – has put a team in the World Cup final.
India
