SA women’s cricket is in safe hands
Women’s cricket is currently on the rise both locally and internationally with these ladies showing the world that they are just as skilled with a bat or ball in hand. In Sinalo Jafta’s case, you can include a set of wicket-keeping gloves in the equation. The young Women’s Dragons’ wicketkeeper is currently busy battling Bangladesh …
Women’s cricket is currently on the rise both locally and internationally with these ladies showing the world that they are just as skilled with a bat or ball in hand. In Sinalo Jafta’s case, you can include a set of wicket-keeping gloves in the equation.
The young Women’s Dragons’ wicketkeeper is currently busy battling Bangladesh in Proteas colours and making a name for herself on the world stage. Potchefstroom Herald caught up with this Norh West cricketer who is also an NWU Puk student:
- Congratulations on being selected for the CSA National Academy squad. Tell me, how does the inclusion make you feel? Do you feel it is an important step as an SA cricket player?
The inclusion means the world to me, it’s basically a stepping stone in the right direction with regard to my cricket career if I want to strive to be a powerhouse in women’s cricket. And it’s happening at the right time.
- Where did you grow up and what school did you attend?
I grew up in a small town just outside East London, called Butterworth. I was in Komga Primary School and I also attended Stirling High School in East London.
- What degree are you studying at NWU Pukke?
I’m studying Human Resources and Labour Relations, but I want to pursue a career in Sports Science.
- Tell me about your earliest cricketing memory
It would have to be in primary school where I practised with the boys’ team. I remember the coach telling me I would never make it in cricket. I think that’s when he struck a nerve and all I wanted to do was to prove him wrong and I fell in love with the sport.
- What do you like most about cricket? What makes it different from any other sport?
I just like it when you are in those tough situations when you are forced to keep calm, even if you know you going to break any minute. That’s when true character is shown Z when you have to either sink or swim. And that is a life lesson; through hardship, you figure out who you really are. Cricket teaches you patience and that’s what I love.
- When did you realise you could be playing for the Proteas Women’s team one day?
It was always a childhood dream but it became so real when I got invited to my first national camp this time last year.
- How was the experience of playing for the Proteas? Is there any memory of that first match that sticks out? You made your debut against New Zealand, correct?
It was a very emotional day. I shed a few tears because all the hard work and sacrifices had paid off. It sounds cliché but I had to put hockey on hold and it was very tough to adjust because it was a different environment.
Walking onto the field with the Protea badge on my chest was the best memory because now I was representing all the young and old girls out there.
- Who has been the most influential person in your cricket career? Who has helped you the most?
My mother. She was a single parent and she gave up a lot for me to be where I am. She is my biggest influence.
- What do you like most about wicketkeeping?
I like the feeling of being in control, making sure the fielders’ angles are correct and also motivating the bowler in setting up the batsman.
- Any aspect of your game that you are most proud of?
I’m proud that I’ve come this far and knowing that I have so much more to give whether it’s on or off the field.
Every day is an opportunity to improve, so I’m going for the small margins to make sure that I give my best for the team because that is all it’s for. The team always comes first.
- Future goals in cricket?
I don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow, but I’m striving to be the best wicketkeeper South Africa has ever had. And that is only going to come with hard work and God’s will.
- How has the women’s game evolved in the sport? I feel that women’s cricket has been given more recognition lately. Do you agree?
I agree with you 100 per cent. It’s growing every day which should push all the women’s cricketers to start putting in the hard yards and not take their opportunities for granted. In sport, you can’t afford to be complacent because you will get left behind.
- Favourite South African cricket players?
I would have to say, Mark Boucher, since we are both wicketkeepers from East London
- Favourite international cricket players?
I would have to say, Alyssa Healy, the current wicketkeeper of the Australian women’s cricket team.
