South Africa Women’s Cricket Team Head Coach Steps Down Ahead of T20 World Cup

As the end of the 2023/24 season approaches, Hilton Moreeng, the head coach of the South African women’s cricket team, concludes his contract and steps down. Moreeng’s departure comes just before the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, which is scheduled to take place in Bangladesh in October.

Assistant coach Dillon du Preez will assume the role of head coach on an interim basis until a permanent replacement is appointed.

Moreeng’s 11-year tenure saw the South African women’s national team transform into a burgeoning professional outfit, with him at the helm for 279 matches across all three formats.

South Africa’s semi-final victory at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 was a display of raw emotion as they secured their place in the final.

Under Moreeng’s guidance, the Proteas Women achieved significant success, winning 84 out of 149 ODI matches, with a win ratio of 56%. In T20Is, the team secured 60 victories out of 127 encounters.

The pinnacle of his term was during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023, hosted by South Africa. Moreeng nearly led the team to victory, marking a historic milestone as the first national coach to reach a senior World Cup final.

This achievement was followed by two semi-final appearances in 2014 and 2020. The Moreeng-led team also made it to the semi-finals of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in 2017 and 2022.

Despite a shock loss in their opening match, hosts South Africa managed to secure a spot in their first-ever World Cup final at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023.

In a statement released by CSA, Moreeng expressed his heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to coach the Proteas Women national team for over a decade.

“I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to CSA and management for entrusting me with the incredible opportunity to coach the Proteas Women national team. It has been an honour and a privilege to lead such a talented group of athletes over the years.

Coaching at the international level has been an extraordinary journey filled with countless memorable moments and achievements. These experiences will forever hold a special place in my heart.

Meg Lanning’s Australia triumphed over South Africa in an entertaining final of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2023 in Cape Town.

“I want to express my sincere appreciation to all the players and team management who have been instrumental in this journey. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work alongside each of you. I would also like to thank the South African fans and the media for their unwavering support throughout this journey. Your encouragement has been a constant source of motivation.

“Last but certainly not least, I am deeply grateful to my family and friends who have stood by me through the highs and lows along the way. Your love and support have been my rock.

“As I step away from this role, I want to wish the team and everyone involved the very best of luck in the future. I have no doubt that the future holds great success and prosperity for all,” he concluded.

In other changes to the Proteas Women coaching set-up, physiotherapist Molebatsi Theletsane will also depart from his position, with Neline Hoffman Kellerman joining the squad.

Additionally, Baakier Abrahams has been officially appointed as the batting coach, while Bongani Ndaba assumes the role of fielding coach. Both Abrahams and Ndaba had a brief stint consulting with the team during the recent Sri Lanka tour.