Proteas Women coach Mandla Mashimbyi has reflected on a three-decade journey marked by patience, resilience and growth.

Mashimbyi achieved the historic milestone last month when he guided the Proteas Women to their maiden World Cup final in Navi Mumbai, a breakthrough moment that capped a long and often challenging coaching journey.

Speaking to SportsBoom.co.za, Mashimbyi said the road to this point had shaped both his outlook and his leadership style.

“I think my journey speaks for itself in terms of being humble. I’ve been through the most. It’s been 30 years for me to get to this point.

“Everything I’ve gone through before was a humbling experience. I’ve got no choice but to be humble.

“I’ve learned to appreciate what you have when you have it. I always look forward to what you can build with what you have. That’s my thing.”

Mashimbyi said his focus has always been on growth – both personal and collective – rather than outcomes alone.

“I ask myself how do I get better, how do I make people better. That’s what’s important for me, to make people better. I know it took me 30 years to get to where I am today.

“It would be unfair for me not to share and make people understand that growth doesn’t come as easy as it seems. There are a lot of things that might go wrong, but that’s also part of growth.”

Now firmly established at the highest level, Mashimbyi said the perspective gained from years of perseverance has deepened his appreciation for the role he holds.

“It’s been long, but it’s been worthwhile. I’m sitting here today thinking it’s been worthwhile.

“You get to a certain point in your life where you appreciate what happened yesterday. It’s all about appreciation.

“Doing my job now reminds me of the road that I walked and how hard it was. I cannot just give it up or take it for granted.”

Mashimbyi’s success has also come at a time when South African cricket has seen a notable rise in coaches of colour at senior level, with both the Proteas men and women now led by Mashimbyi and Shukri Conrad respectively.

While acknowledging the realities of race in his journey, Mashimbyi said his focus has always been on self-improvement and surrounding himself with the right people.

“At the end of the day, it’s about whether I want it or not as a person. Yes, the race factor will always be a factor, but sometimes you’ve got to look past those things and understand what you need to do, how you need to do it, and who you need by your side.

“I believe if you’ve got the right people next to you, they will elevate you. If they’re the wrong ones, they can pull you down. I’ve seen all of it, but I’ve never let it affect me.

“I’ve never let it stop me. All I knew was to give my best. Eventually, it will pay off. I guess it’s paying off now.”

Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images