Proteas Women coach hails Dr Koketjo Tsebe’s impact at the World Cup

Speaking exclusively to SABC Sport, Mashimbyi says Dr. Tsebe’s presence in his team has made things a lot easier for him, and he can focus more on the playing side of things while she works on their confidence despite the challenges faced in India and Sri-Lanka.

The respected sport psychologist has been key in their preparations for this World Cup, as she also travelled with them to Sri-Lanka for the ODI tri-series earlier this year.

"Having the psychologist here just helps to keep the players calm and focused. For me, as a coach, I only have to focus on the cricketing side of things.

READ: Marizanne Kapp shines with bat and ball as Proteas Women down Pakistan

Dr Tsebe had a big task on her hands from the get-go at this World Cup as South Africa were hammered by England in their opening match, and the turnaround has been clear to see with five consecutive victories from that day and a semi-final place secured.

Mashimbyi says they perhaps needed that to get their losing quota done and dusted early.

Among their victims at this World Cup were co-hosts and pre-tournament favourites India, who would have been shocked by the defeat to the Proteas Women in front of their own fans.

Mashimbyi says there was no need to even motivate the team for that game, and they managed to silence not only those in the stadium but the entire country.

"To be honest, I didn't have to motivate the players for the match against India. They were up for that game after the start we had to the competition. 

"In the last few games, this team has shown character, and I can't wait for what is to come."

They’ve had to bat second in all their matches except their most recent win over Pakistan in Colombo, and Mashimbyi believes chasing the score is not a problem for his team as long as they build partnerships at the crease.