Consistency is key for Dolphins Ladies

The Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies will head into the new domestic season with renewed energy and optimism after making targeted additions to their squad during the off-season.

Following a campaign that showed flashes of promise and filled with lessons, head coach Angelique Taai believes the squad is now better equipped to challenge consistently across all formats.

There has not been huge changes in the squad with the addition of a few players while a handful have moved on.

Dolphins bid farewell Courtney Gounden and Kwaga Pinini and welcome three exciting additions to the squad for the new season.

The Dolphins have added the experienced Robyn Searle to their ranks and it's going to be a strong boost having someone of Searle's experience in the ranks.

The Dolphins have focused on strengthening key areas while creating greater depth throughout the squad, ensuring healthy competition for places and improving overall balance within the group.

"We looked closely at where we fell short last season and targeted a few key areas," Taai explained. "We wanted to add more depth, especially in positions where injuries or fatigue hurt us and we also focused on bringing in players with the right mentality and work ethic.

"The goal wasn't just to improve quality but to create better balance and competition within the squad."

Reflecting on the previous season, Taai admitted that inconsistency proved costly at crucial moments.

"There were definitely positives to take from the season, but overall, we know we didn't reach the standards we set for ourselves," she said. "Consistency was probably our biggest issue. There were games where we performed very well and others where we let ourselves down."

The Dolphins coach is excited by the opportunities that a new campaign presents and believes the squad is motivated to make significant strides forward.

"A new season always brings fresh energy and new opportunities for everyone involved," Taai said. "It's a chance to reset, build momentum again and show the progress we've made.

"The players are motivated, the staff are motivated and we're looking forward to getting started."

Among the key takeaways from last season was the importance of maintaining high standards throughout an entire campaign.

"Every setback taught us something and hopefully those experiences will make us stronger this season."

While acknowledging that coaches are always looking for ways to improve, Taai believes the Dolphins have assembled a squad capable of competing strongly in the upcoming season.

"As a coach, you're always looking at ways to improve but on the whole I'm happy with where the squad is at," she said.

"We shift our focus to building chemistry, staying focused and making sure we perform consistently once the season starts."

With preparations for the new season underway, the Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies will be eager to turn lessons learned into performances on the field as they aim to establish themselves among the leading teams in domestic women's cricket.

Hollywoodbets Dolphins Women's squad 2026/27

Jade de Figueiredo, Seshnie Naidu, Nondumiso Shangase, Alex Candler, Zintle Mali, Asakhe Nyovane, Michaela Andrews, Nobulumko Baneti, Nicole De Klerk, Elandri Janse Van Rensburg, Robyn Searle, Yasmeen Khan (HP Contract), Sisanda Ngubane (HP Contract), Nonkululeko Mlaba (National Contract), Ayanda Hlubi (National Contract).

Extended Squad Members

Asamkele Kawu, Ziya Mohanlall, Paige Clark.