Ba-Phalaborwa Mayor Merriam Malatji, presenting gifts to Proteas women’s coach Mandla Mashimbyi, during his home coming ceremony.
By: Boitumelo Makhapheetja
Proteas Women’s National Team Coach Mandla Mashimbyi, , received an incredible hero’s welcome in his hometown of Lulekani, Phalaborwa, on Saturday, November 22, 2025.
The celebration took place at two venues — starting at the Foskor Sports Ground in Namakgale and concluding at the Majeje High School Sports Ground in Lulekani, Coach Mashimbyi’s hometown in Limpopo.
Mashimbyi was honoured for his remarkable achievement in leading the South African Women’s Cricket Team to the ICC Cricket World Cup Final in India last month. Mayor Malatji praised Coach Mashimbyi for his impact on the community.
“Coach Mashimbyi has truly renewed hope and ignited the spirit of Sport in Phalaborwa,” said Malatji.
“His success story inspires our children, even those in our most rural villages, to believe they too can play cricket and achieve at the highest level.”
Upon his welcome, Coach Mashimbyi expressed deep gratitude: “I am grateful for the overwhelming support received from the Municipality and the community at large,” he said.
“It took me 30 years to achieve my dreams, and I want to use this homecoming to inspire our youth to dream big and pursue their passions relentlessly.”
A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of vital resources to the next generation of athletes. Young, aspiring cricket players also received essential cricket equipment and kits, generously sponsored by the Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality in partnership with the Department of Sport, Arts & Culture.
All smiles as aspiring cricket players received cricket equipment.