South Africa coach confirms Dane van Niekerk won't feature in Women's World Cup

South Africa women’s head coach Mandla Mashimbyi has confirmed that Dane van Niekerk will not be part of the squad for the upcoming Women’s World Cup 2025, despite the former captain reversing her international retirement.

The 32-year-old, who stepped away from the game in March 2023, recently announced her comeback on social media with an emotional post. In it, she pledged her commitment to the Proteas cause once again and apologised to Cricket South Africa for the manner in which she had handled her initial retirement.

However, despite being part of the training group in recent months, Mashimbyi clarified that van Niekerk would not be considered for the ODI showpiece, which begins in October in India and Sri Lanka.

“She’s definitely not part of this World Cup, she won’t be going,” Mashimbyi told TimesLIVE. She is someone we are looking for towards the future. There are series she might be involved in, and hopefully, when she ticks all the boxes, she can showcase her skills again.”

NEEDS TO WORK HER WAY UP

Mashimbyi stressed that the former skipper would be treated as any other player in selection, despite her stature and past contributions.

“She’s captained the team, played for a long time and been successful. The experience she carries is something we will miss,” he said. “But she’s like any other player now, she needs to work her way up, earn her place again. We are exposing her to the environment so that she understands expectations, and hopefully when she gets a call-up, she can have an impact immediately.”

The coach added that van Niekerk’s presence would still be valuable off the field, with her experience expected to rub off on younger teammates.

PROTEAS PREP FOR WORLD CUP

South Africa’s preparations will include a camp designed to replicate subcontinent conditions. The team will also tour Pakistan for a three-match ODI series before the tournament.

“Those matches will give us a chance to make sure everything is in place. If we play well there, we can take confidence into the World Cup,” Mashimbyi added.

The Proteas begin their campaign on October 3 in Guwahati against England.