If you’re watching the ICC Women’s World Cup you’ve probably seen the South African women’s team aka the Proteas Women playing and probably wondering who they are and how they got here. here’s a look at their 2025 campaign:

Qualification

The ICC Women’s Championship is one of the ways a team can qualify for a world cup and South Africa secured their spot at the end of the 2022-25 cycle. The top 5 ranked teams at the end of the cycle (where each country plays 8 three-day series) make it into the world cup. Australia, England, South Africa and Sri Lanka made the cut at the end of the championship with New Zealand taking the last spot as India gained automatic entrance as hosts (having placed third at the end of the championship).

Past World Cups

A world cup that started in 1973 has seen 3 teams called champions England, Australia, and New Zealand and this year I hope to see a fourth.

South Africa joined the world cup circuit in the 1997 WC hosted in India. South Africa went on to host the world cup in 2005 finishing 7th on the log.

Here are South Africa’s finishes in their past world cups:

• 2005 hosted by South Africa finished 7th overall
• 2009 hosted by Australia finished 4th in group a and 7th overall
• 2013 hosted by India finished 3rd in group b and 5th in the super six stage and 6th overall
• 2017 hosted by England finished 4th on the log and lost in the semis
• 2022 hosted by New Zealand finished 2nd on log and lost in the semis
• 2025 hosted by India we wait and see

The Team

South Africa released their 15 member squad in early September to be lead by Laura Wolvaardt for the first time. Leading the batting line up is the duo of Wolvaardt and Brits who have been the most successful opening pair the past 3 years. A team filled with all rounders: Kapp, Shangase, de Klerk, Dercksen and Bosch join the team. One of the best spinners out of the country joins the line up: Nonkululeko Mlaba joined by Tryon and Luus. Klaas and Sekhukhune add to the pace attack for the proteas women. Karabo Meso joins after a successful world cup with the u19 squad and she joins Sinalo Jafta with the gloves. Ayabonga Khaka rounds up South Africas lineup.

Squad: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Ayabonga Khaka, Chloe Tryon, Nadine de Klerk, Marizanne Kapp, Tazmin Brits, Sinalo Jafta, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Annerie Dercksen, Anneke Bosch, Masabata Klaas, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase traveling reserve: Miane Smit

The Staff

Having been lead by interim coach Dillon du Preez for the year , CSA named Mandla Mashimbyi as the head coach of the Proteas Women in November of 2024. Mashimbyi has been part of the domestic side Titans as well as coaching in the SA20 league before his appointment.

Joining Mandla in india are the following: Sedibu Mohlaba (Team Manager), Claire Terblanche (Assistant Coach), Baakier Abrahams (Batting Coach), Dillon du Preez (Bowling Coach), Bongani Ndaba (Fielding Coach), Zane Webster (Strength and Conditioning Coach), Abram Ramoadi (Performance Analyst), Neline Hoffman-Kellerman (Physiotherapist), Dr Tshegofatso Gaetsewe (Team Doctor), Happiness Mesi (Logistics and Massage Therapist), Lita Gqirana (Media Manager) and Zahid Shaik (Close Protection Officer) and one of my faves Josh Chisolm (Videography)

What To Expect Now

South Africa are 4 matches into the world cup and have had some shocking but also some good results. With 3 matches to go to secure top 4 here’s how their form is:

MD1 v England 3 Oct. England won by 10 wickets

MD2 V New Zealand 6 Oct. South Africa won by 6 wickets

MD3 v India 9 Oct. South Africa won by 3 wickets

MD4 v Bangladesh 13 Oct. In progress

MD5 v Sri Lanka 17 Oct. Next

MD6 v Pakistan 21 Oct. Next

MD7 v Australia 25 Oct. Last group match

South Africa sits in 4th having won 2/3 matches and look to remain in the top 4 with a crucial win over Bangladesh.

All matches are on dstv and supersport and there’s absolutely no reason you haven’t watched the Proteas W yet. Find daily match updates on my social pages to keep up to date.

xx Thando