JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has today announced the departure of Hilton Moreeng as the Proteas Women head coach upon the conclusion of his contract at the end of the 2023/24 season.
During his more than 11-year tenure, Moreeng expertly oversaw the evolution of the South African women’s national team into a fledgeling professional set-up, taking charge of 279 matches across all three formats.
Under his guidance, the Proteas Women achieved significant success, winning 84 out of 149 One-Day International (ODI) matches, with a win ratio of 56%. In T20 Internationals (T20Is), the team secured 60 victories out of 127 encounters, with one draw and two losses in Test cricket.
At global ICC events, the 46-year-old guided South Africa to the brink of glory as he became the first national coach to reach a senior World Cup final during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 held on home soil.
That achievement was preceded by two semi-final appearances in 2014 and 2020.
In 50-over World Cups, Moreeng’s charges featured in two semi-final matches at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in 2017 and 2022, losing out to England on both occasions.
Assistant coach Dillon du Preez will take over the reins in the interim before a new head coach is appointed.
In a statement to the cricket fraternity and the South African public, Moreeng commented:
“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to CSA and management for entrusting me with the incredible opportunity to coach the Proteas Women national team. It has been an honour and a privilege to lead such a talented group of athletes over the years.
Coaching at the international level has been an extraordinary journey filled with countless memorable moments and achievements. These experiences will forever hold a special place in my heart.
I want to express my sincere appreciation to all the players and team management who have been instrumental in this journey. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside each of you. I would also like to thank the South African fans and the media for their unwavering support throughout this journey.
Your encouragement has been a constant source of motivation.
Last but certainly not least, I am deeply grateful to my family and friends who have stood by me through the highs and lows along the way. Your love and support have been my rock.
As I step away from this role, I want to wish the team and everyone involved the very best of luck in the future. I have no doubt that the future holds great success and prosperity for all,” he concluded.
In other changes to the Proteas Women coaching set-up, physiotherapist Molebatsi Theletsane will also depart from his position, with Neline Hoffman Kellerman joining the squad. Additionally, Dafabet Warriors assistant coach Baakier Abrahams has been officially appointed as the batting coach, while DP World Lions’
Bongani Ndaba assumes the role of fielding coach. Both Abrahams and Ndaba had a brief stint consulting with the team during the recent Sri Lanka tour.
CSA Director of Cricket, Enoch Nkwe said:
“I have the honour of expressing CSA’s gratitude to Hilton for his exceptional contributions to women’s cricket in South Africa over the last decade, with his tenure marked by numerous historic moments. We convey our profound appreciation for his unwavering dedication and exemplary leadership, acknowledging his instrumental role in shaping the professionalisation of women’s cricket in the country.
“As Dillon du Preez steps in as interim coach, we offer him, the management and the team our full support as they head into their next international assignments. We have full confidence in Dillon’s abilities to continue the momentum and uphold the standards set for the side.
The process of recruiting for a new coach is already underway. Our intention is to find the best candidate followed by a smooth transition to take the Proteas Women to greater heights.”
Source: cricket.co.za
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