Sinalo Jafta looks back at successful 2025 for Proteas Women

Jafta was speaking ahead of their closing match of the year – the third and final ODI against Ireland this afternoon in Johannesburg. 

She says it has been a year of growth for the entire team, led by coach Mandla Mashimbyi, culminating in a dominant display against the Irish at home.

"Uhm I think, the biggest one obviously is walking out of that big final in India but I think when you look at him coming in, he's set the tone very quickly. You guys better believe it and I think ending off in Wanderers is like a testament to when we started, you wanna dominate and where better to dominate than here at home for me,” Jafta said. 

“I think when you look at the year, players have just grown stature, to stature, you've had players coming out and he has been a force to reckon with. He plans way ahead, you never know what's happening in his mind and once you believe and trust him, you're gone and I think he's done a fantastic job."

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Jafta applauded the coaching philosophy that Mashimbyi brought into the team since being appointed last year, creating a winning culture within the side. 

She says the coach injected a new sense of belief in them.

"Yeah I think when he came in, he said one simple message, I wanna dominate all cricket and I think regardless of your opposition you are going out there with a mindset of, I just wanna demolish and just dominate,” she added. 

“I think with that mindset going through especially leading up to a World Cup year in 2026, you wanna have that mindset especially with T20 cricket. I think what he's done well he's literally been a fly in our heads to be like, you guys are literally worth it, just go out there and have fun."