Mpumi Mashiloane wants to raise the South African flags high
Teen excels on the cricket pitch.
Kwa-Thema – Kwa-Thema cricketer Mpumi Mashiloane (16) is aiming high after playing having played cricket since she was nine years old in 2016.
“I used to see people playing when going to church on Sundays, and that sparked my interest,” said Mashiloane.
“I used to ask myself, what’s that sport? I wanted to join,” she said.
Mashiloane said she started as a bowler and later became a batswoman.
“As a woman, I won’t lie. The journey has been full of challenges. Some people still see cricket as a men-only sport, though there are women who play,” said Mashiloane.
She said people would ask her why she did not play netball instead.
She said, “One of the things which got me where I am right is that I don’t choose coaches.
“I take advice and work on criticism from all coaches, whether from our hub, Tsakani, Benoni, Daveyton, Duduza or anywhere. Whatever a coach points out to me, I listen and do it.
“I also like training with boys because it helps me work hard and push myself.”
Mashiloane said she was part of the U19 SA team but didn’t make it into the final World Cup squad.
“I don’t know why I didn’t make the cut. Maybe I’m still too young or not ready. When the time is right, I’ll play for the national team.
“I’ll one day raise the Kwa-Thema and South African flags high,” she said.
Mashiloane said although her family and the community members were supportive, she hopes to see more support for all sports played by women.
“I want to see people coming in numbers to watch us play, be it soccer, netball, cricket or whatever sport. We need all the support we can get because it boosts our confidence,” said Mashiloane.
One of her best scores was 173 runs.
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Mashiloane said people expect to see the players play in the top events or tournaments, but they don’t support them when they play on home ground.
“The support must start at home before we go far,” said Mashiloane.
Mashiloane said she lives by her own quote: ‘Keep on working hard, never underestimate opponents and keep working on yourself.”
