Mandla Mashimbyi gives insight into Shabnim Ismail return to Proteas Women

By Benjamin Leshoro
12th May 2026

Proteas Women coach Mandla Mashimbyi has explained the thinking behind the selection of veteran fast bowler Shabnim Ismail for the upcoming ICC T20 Women's World Cup.

The 37-year-old has come out of international retirement to boost the South African squad, headlining a 15-player list heading to England for next month's showpiece.

Mashimbi previously made no secret of his admiration for Ismail and made it clear that the door remained open should she wish to return to the team, with the move happening right on the doorstep of the World Cup.

"It was a no-brainer, to be honest, to try and get one of the best bowlers in the world playing for South Africa again, and whatever happened in the past probably happened, but I came here on a clean slate and I want to achieve great things with this team," he said.

"For that to happen, you need to have the best people available, and Shibnam is one of those. It was important for me to actually go and have a chat with her because we wouldn't want a player of her caliber sitting at home and watching us play.

"And, looking at the gaps we had as a team, she was fitting the bill – beautifully as well, so we're looking forward to seeing what she can offer."

READ: Ismail returns for Proteas Women as World Cup squad named

Ismail, who boasts 113 T20I caps and a national record of 123 wickets, last represented South Africa in the 2023 T20 World Cup final in Cape Town.

Mashimbyi says the DP World Lions bowler also brings a unique element to the team, adding that they’ll need her experience in their latest attempt to win the trophy after two successive final defeats.

"When we look at our team, and obviously looking [back] at the ODI World Cup, we felt that we need an X-factor, and she definitely carries that," he added.

"She's a strong character herself, she's a fighter, good in the field, senior – so everything looks good in terms of that and what she brings to the team.

"I'm not even talking about her skill only, it's just the things that she brings outside of her skill, and this is probably the addition that we needed in our team to make sure that we're going to fight all the way."