JOHANNESBURG – South Africa united in support of the Proteas Women this week as the national side received an official send-off ahead of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025. Cricket South Africa (CSA), in partnership with Suzuki Auto South Africa, hosted a ceremonial capping event in Johannesburg on Wednesday to honour the squad and management team.
The 16-player squad proudly donned their iconic green and gold blazers and received commemorative gifts in the presence of CSA staff, media, and well-wishers. The send-off underscored the nation’s collective belief in the team as they prepare to compete on the global stage in India.
Leadership and brand support on display
The event was attended by CSA President Rihan Richards and Henno Havenga, General Manager of Sales and Marketing at Suzuki Auto South Africa—a key commercial partner of the women’s national team.
Before heading to India, the Proteas Women will face Pakistan in a three-match ODI series in Lahore from 16–22 September, providing critical match preparation ahead of the tournament, which runs from 30 September to 2 November.
In a coaching update, Claire Terblanche, head coach of World Sports Betting Western Province and former Proteas batter, joins the team as Assistant Coach for both the Pakistan series and World Cup campaign.
CSA CEO Pholetsi Moseki: “They carry the hopes of a nation”
CSA Chief Executive Officer Pholetsi Moseki praised the squad’s spirit and national significance:
“The Proteas Women embody the unbreakable spirit of South Africa. They inspire through unity, resilience, and pride. As they embark on this journey, they carry the hopes of millions. We wish Laura and the team the very best—go and make history.”
Moseki also acknowledged Suzuki Auto South Africa for their ongoing support, noting its impact in elevating women’s cricket in the country.
Captain Laura Wolvaardt: “We represent every South African”
Captain Laura Wolvaardt addressed the media with gratitude and determination:
“It’s an honour to lead this team into a World Cup. Today’s ceremony reminds us we represent something far greater than ourselves—we represent every South African who believes in us. We’re ready to give our all.”
Proteas Women Squad – ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 & Pakistan Tour
- Captain: Laura Wolvaardt (Fidelity Titans)
- Anneke Bosch (Fidelity Titans)
- Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions)
- Nadine de Klerk (WSB Western Province)
- Annerie Dercksen (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers)
- Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions)
- Marizanne Kapp (WSB 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)
- Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions)
Travelling Reserve: Miané Smit (Fidelity Titans)
Team 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)
- Abram Ramoadi (Performance Analyst)
- Neline Hoffman-Kellerman (Physiotherapist)
- Dr. Tshegofatso Gaetsewe (Team Doctor)
- Happiness Mesi (Logistics & Massage Therapist)
- Lita Gqirana (Media Manager)
- Zahid Shaik (Close Protection Officer)
Fixtures – Pakistan Tour 2025 (Lahore)
- Tue, 16 Sep at 12h30: 1st ODI – Pakistan vs South Africa (Gaddafi Stadium)
- Fri, 19 Sep at 12h30: 2nd ODI – Pakistan vs South Africa (Gaddafi Stadium)
- Mon, 22 Sep at 12h30: 3rd ODI – Pakistan vs South Africa (Gaddafi Stadium)
Fixtures – ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025
- Fri, 03 Oct: vs England – Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati
- Mon, 06 Oct: vs New Zealand – Holkar Stadium, Indore
- Thu, 09 Oct: vs India – ACA-VDCA Stadium, Visakhapatnam
- Mon, 13 Oct: vs Bangladesh – ACA-VDCA Stadium, Visakhapatnam
- Fri, 17 Oct: vs Sri Lanka – R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
- Tue, 21 Oct: vs Pakistan – R. Premadasa Stadium, Colombo
- Sat, 25 Oct: vs Australia – Holkar Stadium, Indore
- Wed, 29 Oct: Semi-final 1 (TBC)
- Thu, 30 Oct: Semi-final 2 – DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
- Sun, 02 Nov: Final (TBC)
All match times are in SAST.
The send-off reflected not just a moment of national pride, but the start of a campaign that could mark a historic chapter for the Proteas Women on the world stage.
