Proteas Women coach Mandla Mashimbyi believes the touring squad for the upcoming ODI Tri-Series in Sri Lanka has the perfect blend of youth and experience.
Despite veteran all-rounder Marizanne Kapp resting and Anneke Bosch ruled out through injury, the South Africans still boast a host of stalwarts in captain Laura Wolvaardt, former skipper Sune Luus, all-rounder Chloe Tryon, seamer Ayabonga Khaka and left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba.
They will be joined in Sri Lanka by ICC Women’s Emerging Player of the Year Annerie Dercksen and the uncapped trio of Karabo Meso, Seshnie Naidu and Miané Smit.
There is certainly plenty expected from teenage duo Meso and Naidu after their exploits in the recent ICC Under-19 Women’s World Cup, where they played a big part in the Junior Proteas reaching the final in Malaysia.
Mashimbyi feels it’s all about creating a healthy environment for the youngsters to shine.
“Skill is skill, but when coupled with a good human being, you’ll get a lot more out of that player. My coaching philosophy is rooted in growing the human. If that part is nurtured, then the cricketer thrives,” said Mashimbyi.
“In teams, we often fall into the trap of thinking we know each other, but knowing someone’s name and role is not knowing their journey.
“When players understand, what others have overcome to get here, they’ll fight harder for one another.
“Everyone in the team must feel they belong.
“Once players know their relevance in the space – whether it’s mentoring, energy, or performance – then the team really begins to grow.”
Furthermore, he stressed that he has full faith in the teenagers to deliver with any undue pressure.
“I’m a coach who is youth-mad because of what they bring. They come with no baggage – they come with an open mind to want to have an impact on the environment, which is good,” he said.
“Youngsters bring energy and fearlessness. They want to learn, they want to contribute.
“Experience, on the other hand, brings calm, structure and a deep understanding of the game.
“It’s about marrying the two, and when they work hand in hand, we get the best of both worlds.
“Karabo has been really good this last year with the bat, and Seshnie brings a different dynamic into the team as a leggy.
“Miané is somebody who is also promising with the bat. They’ve earned this opportunity with their performances and potential.
“It’s better to expose them now in a safe environment where they can learn through both failure and success. In a few years, they’ll be major contributors to South African cricket,” he added.
The Proteas kick-start their Tri-Series campaign against India in Colombo on April 29.