How team culture shaped Mashimbyi’s Proteas into 2025's history makers

Reflecting on 2025, Proteas Women’s coach Mandla Mashimbyi highlighted his focus on team culture as the key ingredient to their success.

- ONGAMA GCWABE

The 45-year-old added that creating synergy in language and work ethic across girls’ cricket, domestic cricket and the international game remains high on his to-do list for the future.

When Mashimbyi took over as head coach, he immediately implemented culture camps, making his intentions clear early in his tenure.

He wanted to emphasise team culture, improve it, and create a healthier environment for what was a major year for women’s cricket, with the ICC Women’s World Cup scheduled late in the year.

As a result of those culture camps, the world saw a more united Proteas Women’s side — one that was stubborn, resilient and simply refused to surrender.

These qualities were on display during the World Cup, as captain Laura Wolvaardt and her team relentlessly pursued the elusive trophy.

Ultimately, the Proteas Women made history, becoming the first senior South African side to reach an ICC World Cup final after beating England Women to book their place against hosts India in Navi Mumbai.

Although they lost the final, they left an enduring mark on the global stage — proof that a team with a healthy culture can defy the odds and achieve the previously unthinkable.

In an exclusive interview with Independent Media, Mashimbyi revealed that he had done his homework before taking the job and identified team culture as an area in need of attention.