JOHANNESBURG: The Proteas Women were celebrated in a capping and send-off ceremony on Wednesday afternoon, ahead of their participation in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India. The event, hosted by Cricket South Africa (CSA) in partnership with Suzuki Auto South Africa, took place in Johannesburg in front of staff, media, and well-wishers.
The 16-player squad and management staff proudly received their iconic green and gold blazers, along with a commemorative gift, as they prepared to represent the nation on the global stage.
Among the attendees were CSA President, Mr Rihan Richards, and Suzuki Auto SA General Manager of Sales and Marketing, Henno Havenga, along with staff and members of the media, who joined in wishing the team well in true South African spirit.
Before travelling to India for the World Cup, the Proteas Women will first face Pakistan in a three-match One-Day International (ODI) series in Lahore from 16 – 22 September. The World Cup itself will run from 30 September – 02 November.
As an addition to the support team, World Sports Betting Western Province head coach and former Proteas Women batter, Claire Terblanche, has been added to the management staff as Assistant Coach for both the Pakistan tour and the World Cup.
CSA Chief Executive Officer, Pholetsi Moseki, said:
“The Proteas Women embody the unbreakable spirit of South Africa. They inspire not only through their performances on the field but also through the unity, resilience, and pride with which they represent our country.
“As they embark on this World Cup journey, they carry with them the hopes of millions of South Africans. We wish Laura and the team the very best. Go and make history, knowing your nation stands firmly behind you.
“We are also deeply grateful to Suzuki Auto South Africa for their unwavering support, which has played a vital role in helping this team grow and thrive on the global stage.”
Proteas Women captain, Laura Wolvaardt, expressed her gratitude:
“It is an astonishing honour to lead this team into a World Cup. Today’s ceremony reminds us that we are part of something far greater than ourselves – we represent every South African who believes in us.
“On behalf of the squad, I want to thank CSA, our partners, and most importantly, our fans, who are always with us no matter where we play. We are determined to give our all and make the country proud.”
Proteas Women Squad – ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 & Pakistan Tour
Laura Wolvaardt (Captain) (Fidelity Titans), Anneke Bosch (Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Marizanne Kapp (World Sports Betting Western Province), Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions), Masabata Klaas (Fidelity Titans), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), Karabo Meso (DP World Lions), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Tumi Sekhukhune (DP World Lions), Nondumiso Shangase (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), and Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions)
Travelling Reserve
Miané Smit (Fidelity Titans)
Management
Mandla Mashimbyi (Head Coach), 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)
Fixtures – Pakistan Tour
Tuesday, 16 September at 12h30 – 1st ODI: Pakistan vs South Africa (Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore)
Friday, 19 September at 12h30 – 2nd ODI: Pakistan vs South Africa (Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore)
Monday, 22 September at 12h30 – 3rd ODI: Pakistan vs South Africa (Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore)
Fixtures – ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025
Friday, 03 October at 11h30 – South Africa vs England (Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati)
Monday, 06 October at 11h30 – South Africa vs New Zealand (Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore)
Thursday, 09 October at 11h30 – South Africa vs India (ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam)
Monday, 13 October at 11h30 – South Africa vs Bangladesh (ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium, Visakhapatnam)
Friday, 17 October at 11h30 – South Africa vs Sri Lanka (R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo)
Tuesday, 21 October at 11h30 – South Africa vs Pakistan (R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo)
Saturday, 25 October at 11h30 – South Africa vs Australia (Holkar Cricket Stadium, Indore)
Wednesday, 29 October at 11h30 – Semi-final 1 (TBC)
Thursday, 30 October at 11h30 – Semi-final 2 (Dr. DY Patil Sports Academy, Navi Mumbai)
Sunday, 02 November at 11h30 – Final (TBC)
**All times are SAST
Source: cricket.co.za
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