Mandla Mashimbyi: Women’s cricket recognition a sign of progress

Mashimbyi beat fellow South African coaches Jenny van Dyk and Swys de Bruin to claim the accolade.

Speaking to SABC Sport, Mashimbyi says he is pleased that the work being done on the ground to grow women’s cricket is receiving the recognition it deserves. 

"As I said, in the past interviews you know, for me I like the recognition but it's not the main thing for me, the main thing is having the opportunity to change lives and getting recognised is something you pick up along the way but most is what you put in daily in making sure that people become better versions of themselves," Mashimbyi said.

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Cricket South Africa also walked away with the Federation of the Year award, ahead of the South African Football Association and South African Rugby.

Mashimbyi says the recognition reflects the significant progress made in growing the women’s game and creating opportunities for female cricketers.

"I think it is a great way of showing recognition to cricket South Africa because of what they've been doing over the years. I think we've been a little bit unlucky not bringing the trophy home but I think there's been a lot of good work that has been put in, in making sure that we become a force in world cricket which we are at the moment,” the coach added.

“The women's team and the men's team, they are always in the semi-finals or finals of the World Cups."

The Proteas Women will now shift their attention to a five-match T20 International series against Zimbabwe in September at the Bulawayo Athletic Club.

Mashimbyi says the tour will provide an opportunity for the team to move forward from the disappointment of falling short at the T20 World Cup.