Proteas Womens coach Mandla Mashimbyi believes the touring squad for the upcoming ODI Tri-Series in Sri Lanka has the perfect blend of youth and experience.
Despite veteran allrounder Marizanne Kapp resting and Anneke Bosch ruled out through injury, the Proteas still boast a host of stalwarts in captain Laura Wolvaardt, former skipper Sune Luus, allrounder Chloe Tryon, seamer Ayabonga Khaka and left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba.
They will be joined in Sri Lanka by ICC Womens Emerging Player of the Year Annerie Dercksen and the uncapped trio of Karabo Meso, Seshnie Naidu, and Mian Smit.
There is certainly plenty expected from teenage duo Meso and Naidu after their exploits in the recent ICC U19 Womens World Cup where they played a big part in the Junior Proteas reaching the final in Malaysia.
Mashimbyi feels it's all about creating a healthy environment for the youngsters to shine.