Mandla Mashimbyi wants culture where youth complements experience with Proteas Women

Throughout a week-long training camp, which took place in Tshwane last week, connecting mindset and execution became a key objective.

With experienced leaders like Chloe Tyron playing in her 14th year in the national setup alongside youthful talents such as 17-year-old Karabo Meso, Mashymbi sees opportunity, not risk.

The head coach said: "I'm a coach who is youth-mad because of what they bring. They come with no baggage, they come with an open mind to want to have an impact on the environment, which is good.

"Youngsters bring energy and fearlessness. They want to learn, they want to contribute. Experience, on the other hand, brings calm, structure, and a deep understanding of the game.

"It's about marrying the two, and when they work hand in hand, we get the best of both worlds."

Mashymbi has empowered all senior players in the squad to take on mentorship roles, while ensuring the environment is open enough for younger players to voice their ideas and assert their presence.

He added: "Everyone in the team must feel they belong. Once players know their relevance in the space, whether it's mentoring, energy, or performance, then the team really begins to grow."

As for the immediate goal ahead of the Sri Lanka ODI tri-series in Sri Lanka that will also include India, Mashimbyi said: "Right now, it's all about laying the foundation.

"When the time is right, we'll sell the dream. But first, we build, and we build together."