Phalaborwa community celebrates with Mandla Mashimbyi

Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality Mayor Merriam Malatji today hosted local hero and South African Women’s Cricket Coach Mandla Mashimbyi. Mashimbyi hails from Lulekani, together with his family and several key stakeholders.

The celebration took place at two venues — starting at the Foskor Sports Ground in Namakgale and concluding at the Majeje High School Sports Ground in Lulekani, Coach Mashimbyi’s hometown in Limpopo.

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Mashimbyi was honoured for his remarkable achievement in leading the South African Women’s Cricket Team to the ICC Cricket World Cup Final in India last month. Mayor Malatji praised Coach Mashimbyi for his impact on the community.

“Coach Mashimbyi has truly renewed hope and ignited the spirit of Sport in Phalaborwa,” said Malatji.

“His success story inspires our children, even those in our most rural villages, to believe they too can play cricket and achieve at the highest level.”

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Upon his welcome, Coach Mashimbyi expressed deep gratitude: “I am grateful for the overwhelming support received from the Municipality and the community at large,” he said.

“It took me 30 years to achieve my dreams, and I want to use this homecoming to inspire our youth to dream big and pursue their passions relentlessly.”

A highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of vital resources to the next generation of athletes. Young, aspiring cricket players also received essential cricket equipment and kits, generously sponsored by the Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality in partnership with the Department of Sport, Arts & Culture.

This initiative aims to enhance local talent and ensure the growth of the sport across the municipal area.

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