South Africa women’s head coach Mandla Mashimbyi has confirmed that all-rounder Dane van Niekerk will not participate in the upcoming Women’s ODI World Cup. The former Proteas captain, who reversed her retirement decision recently, is eligible for international selection.
Speaking on Times Live, coach Mashimbyi stressed the fact that Neikerk is not ready to make a comeback yet. She requires adequate training and needs to get back into form first, according to the coach.
“She’s definitely not part of this World Cup. She won’t be going,” he said. “She is someone we are looking for towards the future. There are series she might be involved in, and hopefully, when she ticks all the boxes, she can showcase her skills again.”
In 107 WODIs, the all-rounder has scored 2,175 runs and taken 138 wickets. While her experience holds value, the coach believes she needs to work hard in order to earn her spot back in the ODI squad.
“She’s captained the team, played for a long time and been successful. The experience she carries is something we will miss,” he added. “But she’s like any other player now, she needs to work her way up, earn her place again. We are exposing her to the environment so that she understands expectations, and hopefully when she gets a call-up, she can have an impact immediately.”
Ahead of the World Cup, the Proteas women’s team will tour Pakistan for a three-match ODI series scheduled to begin on September 16 in Lahore. Coach Mashimbyi feels the tournament will serve as an ideal preparation for the team.
“Those matches will give us a chance to make sure everything is in place. If we play well there, we can take confidence into the World Cup,” he mentioned.
South Africa Women will play their opening World Cup match against England Women, scheduled for October 3 in Guwahati.
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