Mandla Mashimbyi: ‘I’ve been through the most’ as coach of colour in South Africa
Mandla Mashimbyi, a coach of colour in South African cricket, has overcome significant challenges over 30 years to lead the Proteas women to a Cricket World Cup final, emphasising the importance of having the right support and perseverance. Picture: Michael Sherman/IOL
Image: Michael Sherman/IOL
While it’s no insignificant feat that both the men’s and women’s Proteas are coaches of colour, Mandla Mashimbyi has revealed that the journey he’s taken in South African cricket has shaped him into the success he is.
Mashimbyi has already become the first coach to lead the Proteas women to a Cricket World Cup final.
Though the groundwork had been laid by his predecessors in creating a powerful Proteas team which made it to the final of the Women’s T20 World Cup in 2023 and 2024.
Since Mashimbyi took over in November last year, the side has continued to impress.
Mashimbyi’s Journey: Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Success in Cricket Coaching
"I think my journey speaks for itself in terms of me being humble. I've been through the most. It's been 30 years for me to get to this point,” Mashimbyi told SportsBoom.co.za.
The 45-year-old former allrounder who represented the Titans, first coached his former side in the 2013/2014 season and has steadily moved up the ranks since.
"I think at the end of the day, it's about whether I want it or not as a person. Yes, the race factor will always be a factor. But sometimes you've got to look past those things and just try and understand what you need to do, how you need to do it, who are the people that you need by your side.
"I believe if you've got the right people next to you, they will elevate you, or they can pull you down as well if it's the wrong ones. I know, I've seen all of it. But I've never let it affect me. I've never let it hold me."
"I've never let it stop me. All I knew about life was just to give your best. Eventually, it will pay off. I guess it's paying off now."