South Africa’s interim coach, Dillon du Preez, has guided the team to the final of the Women’s T20 World Cup, but his future in the role remains uncertain. Du Preez, who took over from Hilton Moreeng in May, has expressed reservations about continuing due to his limited experience and the team’s need for additional support.
Despite his initial hesitation, du Preez has overseen a successful campaign for South Africa. The team reached the final after defeating defending champions Australia in the semi-final, showcasing a fearless and aggressive approach. However, they fell short in the final against New Zealand, highlighting the need for further development.
Du Preez has emphasized the importance of creating a positive team culture and providing clear guidance. He has also benefited from the addition of specialized coaches, such as batting coach Baakier Abrahams and spin lead Paul Adams.
Despite their success in the World Cup, South Africa has struggled in recent series, winning only one of seven before the tournament. Du Preez acknowledges the need for improvement and believes that the team’s high-risk approach will eventually yield positive results.
However, du Preez’s future remains uncertain. He has expressed a desire to discuss his role with the director of cricket, Enoch Nkwe, upon his return home. Given the upcoming schedule, which includes an all-format tour against England in November-December, it is likely that du Preez will remain in charge until the end of the year.
Du Preez’s hesitation stems from his limited experience at a high level. After a 14-year provincial cricket career, he coached at the University of the Free State before taking over the women’s team in Bloemfontein. While he has developed a coaching style based on his experience and knowledge, he recognizes the need for further development.
