Most people know Lee-Ann Hendricks as Reeza’s wife, but there is a lot more to know about this extraordinary woman that we wanted to uncover, writes Nabeelah Fakier.
Lee-Ann Hendricks comes from Bloemfontein, she attended school at Eunice before relocating to Port Elizabeth, where she matriculated at Collegiate High School.
Lee-Ann and Reeza met while she was doing her practical years at the University of the Free State.
They were undergoing the Knights’ fitness assessments at the university gym and got to know each other better through their mutual friend and someone most of us are familiar with, Shadley van Schalkwyk, the other half of the bromance.
Nabeelah Fakier caught up with Mrs Hendricks to find out more about her life.
What is it like being married to a cricketer? With their hectic schedules, where do you guys find the common ground for quality time?
At times it can be tough as we barely get to see each other but we make sure that when Reeza is around we spend all our time together. Sometimes I would schedule my appointments around his schedule when they travel locally which means we get to see each other in a different city. We enjoy going for dinner together or just staying in to binge-watch movies and series.
Is it difficult finding individuality being married to a Proteas player?
Personally, I do not find any difficulty in finding individuality. In being married to a Proteas player, I think that it is important to keep your life and friendships separate from your job. So I have no problem with people referring to me as Reeza’s wife if we do not know each other personally or are acquainted.
What’s your favourite destination that you’ve traveled to?
This is a very difficult one for me to answer as I have so many favourites, but Portugal is definitely a stand out for me. England also holds a special place in my heart.
Do you have any tales on your travels with the Proteas to share?
Unfortunately I have no travel tales with the Proteas, as I have not been afforded an opportunity to travel with them.
What do you do for a living & what did you study?
Currently I do property investment and property development. I have my honours degree in Biokinetics.
Which is your favourite cricket ground to be at?
I love the aesthetics of Newlands Cricket ground but Wanderers is home.
What do you always have in your bag and never leave home without?
My cellphone, these days a mask and a bottle of water.
Did you play any sports when you were younger?
Yes, I played hockey. I also did Athletics and swimming only up until high school.
Other than cricket, do you watch any other sports?
I watch Formula and Rugby willingly, but our TV is always on some sort of sport – golf, tennis, soccer etc.
Other than Reeza, who is your favourite Sportsman?
This is a tough one but a firm favourite is F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo.
What’s one thing about Reeza that people don’t know?
One thing that people don’t know about Reeza is that he loves reading *laughs*
Last year Cyril made promises regarding Gender-based violence, which seems to be coming up empty – What changes and accountability would you personally like to see happen regarding this serious human rights violation issue?
GBV has always been around, thanks to social media we are made more aware of the severity of the problem. Personally, I would like for the government to be more proactive in combatting GBV; intensifying sentencing and prioritising GBV cases.
Is there any piece of advice you would tell your younger self and to the young females out there?
Enjoy life fully and make use of all your opportunities. Always treat everyone with the same kind of respect regardless of their socio-economic status.
