MASHIMBYI BEAMING WITH PRIDE

ONE of the unique strategies that Mandla Mashimbyi has implemented in building the Proteas Women, since taking over as head coach, is to put a lot of emphasis on team culture.

- ONGAMA GCWABE

Coach Mashimbyi planned culture camps earlier this year, with the vision and understanding that successful teams work within a healthy team environment, just as much as they do on their skills and gameplans.

The results of those camps have already started to show now at the ongoing ICC Women's Cricket World Cup. The team seems unbeatable at the moment. They look a tight knit unit and they have shown plenty of character during the competition.

Different players have carried the team over the line on numerous occasions in the showpiece event. Furthermore, they have had an impressive turnaround with four consecutive victories, after the embarrassing 10-wicket defeat to England in their opening game.

"This team has really showed me what it means to create a good environment, to allow players to be themselves, make them feel backed, make them feel like they belong and make them feel that they can contribute to the success of this team," said Mashimbyi yesterday.