Mandla Mashimbyi confident of Marizanne Kapp’s readiness for T20 World Cup

Kapp was named in the squad for the tournament in England despite last featuring for the team in February against Pakistan, and missed both the tour of New Zealand and India’s visit to the country last month. 

Mashimbyi says the experienced all-rounder has been given the all clear by the medical team and is hungry to get back onto the field. 

"As they say if you don't eat for a long time you will definitely get hungry, and I think she's hungry to get back on the field and do well for this team. She flew to Pretoria from PE and she's been working really hard. I'm really happy with where she's at. From a medical point of view everything is good."

READ: Shabnim Ismail excited for international rebirth

Questions have also arisen regarding the form of top order batter Tazmin Brits, who has found runs hard to come by in the last couple of months. Mashimbyi explained why he’s stuck with the 35-year-old, and believes she will soon find her rhythm. 

"There's a process in place with regards to Tazmin, and I'm not too much taken aback based on the performances she's been giving. We are pretty confident that by the time we get to England she will be where she needs to be. Since I've taken over she's probably been one of my best players, especially in the 50-over game. In terms of her power and talent you can't take that away from her so I'm pretty sure that by the time we get to the World Cup those processes will come together."

One of the senior players also returning to the team is Dané van Niekerk, who has also missed out recently due to injury. Convenor of Selectors Clinton du Preez says the former captain was always part of their plans for the World Cup.

The Proteas Women have been to the final of the last two T20 World Cups, and lost both of them. Coach Mashimbyi says this does not add any extra pressure on him to win the tournament, but rather just wants them to play well.