Watching a South African training session is quite the experience. In the middle of it all, regaling players with stories and witty one-liners loaded with advice is the side’s towering head coach, Mandla Mashimbyi.

“My philosophy is always to speak to the person rather than the cricketer,” Mashimbyi said ahead of the final of the Women’s ODI World Cup against India at the D.Y. Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai on Sunday.

Mashimbyi’s resume is extensive. A longtime coach of the Titans in the men’s domestic ecosystem, Mashimbyi has also had stints as an assistant coach and bowling coach to the senior men’s side and as a bowling expert with the SA20 outfit Paarl Royals.

He took over the women’s senior side in November 2024 with the mandate of leading the Proteas to a World Cup win.

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Priority

“The first thing I picked up on was the division that was within the team, not necessarily in a malicious way. We could be better at making sure we are more united. Talent has always been there, but we need a more fertile environment,” he added.

Fitness standards, which sidelined several senior players, and a divide between them and the juniors have been heavily reported on.

For Mashimbyi, the World Cup has always been the cherry on top for a process of change that needs to permeate every level in the setup.

“From a process point of view, we’ve been really good. If we have to go on and win this World Cup, we have to look after the needs (of the job at hand). If we do that, the trophy is ours. If we don’t, then panic will set in and we might become outcome-based. We might sometimes chase things that are not tangible for us at that moment and that might be what limits us, our Achilles heel.”

A clinical all-round show helped the Proteas overpower England in the semifinal to become the first South African side to make a 50-over World Cup final.

India overpowered defending champion Australia in a thrilling chase in the second knockout, a game skipper Laura Wolvaardt said the side would be watching keenly.

“We watch with analytical interest, but we would take on anybody who won that game,” he said.

Ally not enemy

Mashimbyi is not worried about his players feeling the heat of the occasion.

“Nerves are innate with us as beings. We need to understand that nerves are our ally, not our enemy. It’s important to feel nervous because it shows you care. But it’s also about embracing them and actually using the energy for good. Use the energy to elevate yourself and not cut your legs off.”

Published on Oct 31, 2025