Proteas women's coach Hilton Moreeng has opened up on the mental attitude required to be a mentor at the highest level.
On Wednesday, Cricket South Africa (CSA) revealed that Moreeng, who has held the position of head coach since 2012, would be kept on in the role when he signed a new three-year deal.
Moreeng is now the most senior black coach in SA cricket.
Moreeng was unaware of that fact when it was pointed out by a journalist at a video press conference on Wednesday and he stated that he was eager to share his wisdom to the young coaches coming through.
"It's not something that I look at. You know, you get an opportunity and you try to work and strive to the best of your ability," Moreeng told reporters in a Zoom press conference.
"There are some young (black) coaches coming through and we try to include them and share on what we've learnt as coaches. There are young coaches who look up to me irrespective of their background and where they come from.
"At the end of the day, you can't keep looking back. You just need to make sure you present yourself and have a spotless future either way you look at it.
"For me, it's not an easy journey, it requires a lot of determination and hard work, including criticism."
Under Moreeng's leadership, the Proteas reached the semi-finals of both the ICC Women's T20 World Cup (2014 and 2020) and the ICC Women's World Cup (2017).
CSA also revealed that there are plans for the Proteas women to return to training.
There is a possibility that the women's team could play before the men as CSA are currently in talks with England Cricket Board (ECB) and Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) regarding the possibility of a tri-series.
"For us the focus is that we're five months away from a World Cup ... we have to give everything we have. We've built a squad that we believe can win this World Cup."
Proteas women management:
Hilton Moreeng (Head Coach), Sedibu Mohlaba (Manager), Zane Webster (Strength & Conditioning Coach), Tshegofatso Gaetsewe (Team Doctor), Molebatsi Theletsane (Physiotherapist)