Mashimbyi’s choices may come back to haunt him

MANDLA Mashimbyi has done a credible job since being appointed Proteas Women's head coach.

- ZAAHIER ADAMS

After a tenuous start, which included a couple of bilateral series defeats as the former Titans men’s coach found his feet in the women’s game, Mashimbyi’s unique coaching methods — by his own admission — have filtered through the team. The result was a dream run to a first-ever appearance in a Women’s World Cup final.

The reality now, though, is that the Proteas are preparing for another T20 World Cup in just over six months’ time in England. It was only 18 months ago that Laura Wolvaardt and her team fell short against New Zealand in the short-format showpiece in the UAE. With this in mind, Mashimbyi has poured his resources into going one step further at Lord’s.

In pursuit of that goal, he has made some big calls in recalling former captain Dane van Niekerk and Faye Tunnicliffe for the Ireland T20I series.