Mandla Mashimbyi will mentor the Proteas in his first ICC cricket tournament when the team travels to India and Sri Lanka for the ICC Cricket World Cup, starting on 30 September and running until 15 October.
“What a journey it has been. From the moment I joined this team, and even before my time when the squad went through the qualification phase, it was all about working towards this moment. We can look back at the amount of preparation we have put in and know that we have done our best. We are ready to send a squad to the World Cup that will make South Africa proud,” said Mashimbyi.
“I am happy for all the players and management who will be getting on that plane to India, but I am even more excited to see what they can achieve together as a group. We believe we have the squad of players that can go out there and deliver on the world stage. It is all about carrying that belief with us every step of the way, along with the support of the entire nation.”
Laura Wolvaardt will lead the Proteas in her first 50-over World Cup. In her first major ICC tournament, she led the Proteas to a runner-up finish at the ICC T20 World Cup in the UAE in 2024 about a year ago.
The team traveling to India and Sri Lanka includes former Proteas captain Sune Luus. Luus led the Proteas at the last World Cup in New Zealand, where the team finished in the last four. Her vice-captain, Chloe Tryon, makes the team and holds the vice-captain role.
The team has the experience of Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Taznim Brits, and Masabata Klaas.
T20 World Cup heroine Anneke Bosch returns from injury and joins the team. It will be interesting to see if she will retain her place at number 3 or if Coach Mashimbyi will use Nondumiso Shangase in that number three position.
Along with Sune, Chloe, and Nondumiso, Nonkululeko Mlaba will lead the spin bowling attack. If needed, Bosch can also bowl her part-time spin.
Nadine de Klerk and Annerie Dercksen will fill the finisher role and the pace bowling all-rounder position. Tumi Sekhukhune will also add depth to the pace bowling attack.
The wicketkeeper roles will be filled by the Lions duo of Karabo Meso and Sinalo Jafta.
PROTEAS SQUAD:
Laura Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits, Chloe Tryon, Sune Luus, Masabata Klaas, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Nondumiso Shangase, Karabo Meso, Tumi Sekhukhune, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Annerie Dercksen, Nadine de Klerk, Anneke Bosch, Maine Smit (reserve)
