The Proteas Women’s form at the World Cup is another indicator that Dane van Niekerk’s desire to see Provincial Women’s Cricket professionalized in South Africa should be prioritised, writes Ongama Gcwabe.
The South African team has done exceptionally well in New Zealand since the World Cup started.
They have beaten Bangladesh, Pakistan, England and now New Zealand in spectacular fashion making history while racking up 4 wins out of 4.
They had senior players stand up and carry the team over the line in all four matches. Marizanne Kapp has done it twice with both bat and ball.
Shabnim Ismail has done it with the ball at the death, Ayabonga Khaka has stood out and Laura Wolvaardt has fought hard to make sure the team remains unbeaten in the tournament.
As exciting as that is, the women’s game in the country is still not where it needs to be as far as
meeting World standards. The gap between provincial cricketers and the Proteas women team is so big.
Where are we lacking and what can be done to get us to where we need to be?
“It all comes down to the structures. I know within the top six teams there are contracts now. But it
needs to be professionalized not just when it comes to money.
“It needs to be professionalized when it comes to the environment and the support that’s been given. We need S & C’s (strength & conditioning coaches) and physios – the same as the men get,” Dane van Niekerk told Cricket Fanatics Magazine.
“Here’s money but what do I know about being a professional and what it means to be a
professional? I mean, I started in the South Africa set up as a 14-year-old, and it took me many
years and I’m still not perfect at it. I still don’t understand 100% what being a professional means.
“I think that’s what the Women’s game needs in South Africa. We need a structure that doesn’t only
give you money but one that also teaches you what it takes to be a professional. Because now the
gap is pretty big if you look at this Proteas women’s side and the provincial cricketers.
“Yes, there’s a couple of players putting their hands up but it’s not enough and that tells me the structure is not as professional as it needs to be. There’s a lot of progress but it’s not enough.
“It will be nice to see a professional takeover in women’s provincial cricket in the country. I think there
is a long way to go for the Women’s game in the country,” she concluded.
