Mashimbyi tests depth as Proteas Women build towards World Cup

They had a disappointing month in Sri Lanka, but coach Mandla Mashimbyi and the team remain focused on the World Cup. By Keanan Hemmonsbey

- 

The Proteas Women's recent 50-over tri-series struggle against Sri Lanka and India is the short-term pain, which they are hopeful to match with long-term gains.

South Africa lost three of the four matches they played in Sri Lanka - two to India and one to Sri Lanka - in the process failing to make the final, which India won by 97 runs.

It was a poor return for a team from which so much is expected given their recent performances at World Cups, albeit in the shortest format. The Proteas reached the final of the previous two T20 World Cups, falling at the final hurdle on both occasions.

That's why new head coach Mandla Mashimbyi was brought in to lead the team. His mandate was clear when handed the role at the back end of last year: win an international trophy.

The opportunity to tick that goal off begins in September, when the 50-over World Cup gets under way in India, barely 10 months after his appointment, but it's a challenge he accepted when he took the position.

South Africa's disappointing tri-series was Mashimbyi's first full-length series he has been with the team, having taken over the reins halfway through the Proteas' all-format home series against England last year.

This was, thus, his first opportunity to put his personal stamp on the squad and has given an indication of the direction of the national side. Mashimbyi added three fresh faces to the tri-series squad in Sri Lanka: Miané Smit (20), Seshnie Naidu (19) and Karabo Meso (17).

The squad was also without regulars Marizanne Kapp, who was being rested, and Anneke Bosch, through injury, which opened the door for Lara Goodall to be included in the side belatedly.

Young trio