We need proper cricket facilities in townships - Mandla Mashimbyi

Speaking exclusively with Ukhozi FM, the Limpopo-born coach feels a lot of change still needs to be made for cricket to be inclusive in South Africa.

"I think there is a lot that needs to be done. We need to introduce cricket to all South Africans because right now there is a big challenge of accessing it, it’s very exclusive," Mashimbyi said.

"It’s also very hard for black people to succeed because we do not have the facilities and resources to be great.

"In the last 10 to 15 years, KwaZulu-Natal has produced more black players – the likes of Lungi Ngidi, Khaya Zondo, Andile Phahlukwayo and Sibonelo Makhanya, who is playing for me.

"To get more of them, we need proper facilities in townships because it would not make sense to go there without proper things. In some areas, players are properly trained with good facilities."

Mashimbyi won the Division 1 Coach of the Season at the recent CSA Awards held in Midrand, Gauteng, but he is all about collective victories.

"Winning individual awards, for me, does not mean much. What matters is having a proper team, I am all about collective efforts," he concluded.