As the excitement builds for the first-ever Women's T20 Cricket competition at the 13th African Games in Accra, Ghana between Thursday and Wednesday, Team South Africa's captain, Nondumiso Shangase and head coach Dinesha Devnarain, shared their thoughts on this historic moment and their team's preparations for the upcoming competition.
Team SA, predominantly composed of players from the Cricket South Africa (CSA) Women’s National Academy, SA Under-19 Women, and the CSA Professional Women’s Domestic League, will kick off their tournament against Namibia on Thursday at 9.30am local time (11.30 SA time) at the Achimota Cricket Oval.
Historic Moment for Women's Cricket in South Africa and the Continent.
Devnarain expressed the team's immense pride in being part of this historic moment.
"It’s massive. We always talk about being in the history books. It's such an honour to know that for the first time, cricket will be played at the Africa Games. We're very excited for the opportunity and want to leave a mark, making sure it’s a valuable investment for women's cricket in South Africa and on the continent."
Coach Devnarain highlighted the uniqueness of preparing for the Games in Ghana, stating: "We didn't have a camp before we left, so I just touched bases with provincial coaches in terms of the preparation. We're going a bit blindsided into it, but it doesn't take away from the brand of cricket we want to play.
“Being part of Team SA, the unique aspect that comes with it is we're not travelling as Cricket South Africa; we're travelling as Team South Africa. It's something new for the girls, but we're hoping to put our best foot forward and bring home gold."
Analyzing the competition in Group A, which includes Namibia, Tanzania and Nigeria, Devnarain said: "Our toughest competition will be Namibia, our first game. We want to get the tournament kicking off to a win. We're going to take it one ball at a time, stay tactical, and approach each game strategically. The conditions in Ghana are extreme, so mental strength, focus, and discipline are crucial."
Devnarain pointed out the strategic squad selection. "It's a good mix of potential players and those who participated in the U19 World Cup. They're dynamic, fearless, always willing to learn, and talented. The blend of youth and experience will contribute to a strong bench and playing XI, with each player capable of doing a fantastic job."
Reflecting on the honour of captaining Team South Africa at the African Games, Captain Nondumiso Shangase stated: "It is the first time leading in a big tournament like this, although I have led the team in other series. The hopes are high from people back home, and I'm committed to doing what I do best. I also have support from my teammates and coaches as well, so I'll be good.
When asked about the team's spirits and camaraderie, Shangase shared: "They're excited. We brought up the youngsters as well, and everyone has been playing together for a long time. We're in a good space; I won't lie to you. They're so happy and prepared. I wish we were starting even tomorrow; that's how ready they are for this,” the skipper concluded.
Squad
Nondumiso Shangase (Captain) (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Nobulumko Baneti (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Jemma Botha (Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Jenna Evans (DP World Lions), Gandhi Jafta (Fidelity Titans), Leah Jones (Western Province), Simone Lourens (Fidelity Titans), Karabo Meso (DP World Lions), Seshnie Naidu (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Kayla Reyneke (Western Province), Miané Smit (Recon Tactical Free State), Faye Tunnicliffe (Western Province), Jané Winster (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Caitlin Wyngaard (Western Province)
Management
Dinesha Devnarain (Head Coach), Claire Terblanche (Assistant Coach), Marica Letsoalo (Team Manager), Gabi-Lee van der Westhuizen (Strength and Conditioning), Esther Bengu (Physiotherapist)
Fixtures
Thursday - South Africa v Namibia
Friday - South Africa v Tanzania
Sunday - South Africa v Nigeria
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