South Africa women's head coach departs ahead of T20 World Cup
Cricket South Africa (CSA) have confirmed the departure of Hilton Moreeng as the Proteas Women's head coach.
Hilton Moreeng leaves the position after his contract concludes at the end of the 2023/24 season, having served as the head coach for over 11 years. Moreeng departs ahead of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled in Bangladesh in October.
Assistant coach Dillon du Preez will take over the reins in the interim before a new head coach is appointed.
During his tenure, Moreeng closely oversaw the evolution of the South African women’s national team into a fledgeling professional set-up, taking charge of 279 matches across all three formats.
Raw emotions on display as South Africa stormed into the final after clinching victory in their semi-final at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2023.
Under Moreeng’s guidance, 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 highlight of his term came during the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2023 when South Africa hosted the tournament at home turf. Moreeng almost led South Africa to victory, marking a historic milestone as the first national coach to reach a senior World Cup final.
This accomplishment was followed by two prior semi-final appearances in 2014 and 2020. Moreeng-led side also featured in two semi-final matches at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in 2017 and 2022.
Hosts South Africa overcame a shock loss in their opening match of the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2023 to secure a spot in their first-ever World Cup final
In a statement released by CSA, Moreeng expressed heartfelt gratitude to have been appointed the head coach, leading a group of players 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.
Match highlights as Meg Lanning’s Australia beat 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.