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Proteas Women's Coaching Shake-Up Ahead of 2026 T20 World Cup

Cricket South Africa has confirmed the departure of batting coach Baakier Abrahams, fielding coach Bongani Ndaba, and strength coach Zane Webster from the Proteas women's team. Their contracts are not being extended as part of a planned transition ahead of the 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup in England. Interim replacements have been appointed, including former batter Andrew Puttick and coach Mduduzi Mbhatha, who will join the setup until after the tournament. The outgoing trio were part of the coaching staff during South Africa's runner-up finishes in the 2023 and 2024 T20 World Cups.

Key Points: South Africa Women's Cricket Coaching Staff Changes

  • Three coaches exit Proteas women's setup
  • Part of a planned transition before 2026 T20 WC
  • Interim replacements appointed for World Cup
  • Trio were part of recent World Cup runner-up campaigns
2 min read

Abrahams, Ndaba, Webster exit Proteas coaching staff ahead of Women's T20 WC

CSA announces departure of three Proteas women's coaches ahead of 2026 T20 World Cup. New interim staff appointed for transition.

"We are always looking to evolve, and the introduction of new voices brings fresh perspective. - Mandla Mashimbyi"

Johannesburg, April 13

Cricket South Africa has announced the departure of batting coach Baakier Abrahams, fielding coach Bongani Ndaba and strength and conditioning coach Zane Webster from the Proteas women's setup ahead of the 2026 ICC Women's T20 World Cup, to be held in England from June 12 to July 5.

While announcing the 15-member squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against India, to be played from April 17-27, Cricket South Africa (CSA) said the imminent conclusion of the current contracts of Abrahams, Ndaba, and Webster comes as they are not going to be extended beyond the 2025/26 season as part of a 'planned transition within the national setup.'

"As a team, we are always looking to evolve, and the introduction of new voices brings fresh perspective and renewed energy to the group. We are grateful to Baakier, Bongani and Zane for the strong foundation they have helped build, and this next phase gives us an opportunity to challenge ourselves further as we continue our preparations towards the World Cup," said head coach Mandla Mashimbyi.

The trio had been in the Proteas coaching staff when South Africa finished as runners-up in 2023 and 2024 Women's T20 World Cups and 2025 Women's ODI World Cup. They will be replaced on an interim basis by former Western Province batter Andrew Puttick (batting coach), ex-Northern Cape head coach Mduduzi Mbhatha (fielding coach) and Tumi Masekela (strength and conditioning coach).

They will now join the Proteas set-up till the end of the 12-team Women's T20 World Cup before permanent replacements are confirmed by the CSA. "We thank Baakier, Bongani and Zane for their valuable contributions to the national setup, which have played an important role in the team's recent success.

"We are equally pleased to welcome Tumi, Andrew and Mduduzi, as we continue to strengthen the environment with fresh thinking in pursuit of sustained success," said Enoch Nkwe, CSA Director of National Teams and High Performance.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
As an Indian fan, I'm watching this closely before our series. New coaches might bring new strategies, but our women's team is in great form. Hoping for a thrilling contest! Best of luck to the new interim staff.
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Aman W
Fresh voices are important, but you don't fix what isn't broken. The team was consistently reaching finals. CSA should have been clearer about why these specific coaches are leaving. Feels like there's more to the story.
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Sarah B
Interesting to see Andrew Puttick come in. His experience with Western Province could be valuable. The Proteas women are a fantastic side; hope this change gives them that final push to win the trophy this time.
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Karthik V
The statement says "planned transition," but doing it right before a World Cup year is a bold, risky move. Hope the interim coaches gel quickly with the players. The India series will be their first real test.
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Nisha Z
Thank you to Abrahams, Ndaba, and Webster for their service! They built a world-class team. Wishing the new team all the best. As a cricket lover, I just want to see good, competitive women's cricket grow globally. 🌍

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