Tumi Sekhukhune (25) has swiftly carved out a place for herself in South African women’s cricket.
Hailing from Daveyton and a former learner of Unity Secondary School, Tumi’s journey is one of passion, resilience and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
She first showcased her cricketing prowess with the Eastern women’s team.
Reflecting on her early days, Tumi said it was with Eastern that she first began to dream big.
Her impressive performances quickly earned her opportunities to play for the North West team and eventually for the Gauteng Lions, one of the most prestigious teams in South African cricket.
“The experience with North West and now Gauteng Lions has only strengthened my resolve to make a mark in cricket.“
Her domestic career has been an indication of her consistency and skill, providing a strong foundation for her later successes on the international stage.
In 2018, Tumi made her much-anticipated international debut for the South African women’s cricket team during a tour of the West Indies.
Speaking about this significant milestone, she said, “Making my debut at 19 and playing alongside my role models was a dream come true. It is a moment I will cherish forever.”
Her primary role in the national team is to contain runs, a responsibility she fulfils with precision and effectiveness, contributing to the team’s overall strategy with her medium-fast seam bowling.
One of Tumi’s proudest achievements is her inclusion in the national squad at such a young age, which she considers a ‘monate moment’ (a great joy) in her early career.
“To be included in the squad so young and to play with those I looked up to was incredible. It is something I never take for granted,” she remarked.
Her contributions have not gone unnoticed, as she has already taken 22 wickets in the Women’s One Day Internationals (WODIs), establishing herself as a key player in South Africa’s bowling attack.
Adapt
However, her journey has not been without challenges.
Tumi faced a significant setback when an injury forced her to miss the Commonwealth Games.
Reflecting on this difficult time, she said it was one of the hardest moments in her career.
“It was tough to bounce back, but I knew I had to keep pushing to stay in the team.”
In 2022, Tumi added another feather to her cap by making her test debut against England.
Known for her medium-pace seam bowling and left-handed batting, she demonstrated her versatility and ability to adapt to different game formats.
“Playing in a test match was a whole new experience. The longer format demands more focus, but I embraced the challenge.”
Tumi’s success has brought immense pride to her hometown of Daveyton.
Her selection for the South African U19 team and subsequent appearances on the global stage have inspired many young cricketers in her community.
“Being able to represent Daveyton on the world stage means everything to me. I want to show the children back home they can achieve anything if they work hard.
“I have faced many challenges, but each one made me stronger. I learnt setbacks are just setups for comebacks,” she concluded.
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