Chiedza Mzembe has been selected to play indoor cricket for South Africa. Photo: Supplied
“People should come to watch girls play cricket. We can bring the fire. We are as good as the boys.”
So said Chiedza Mzembe (16), who can celebrate her selection in the South African U18 girls team for the upcoming Indoor Cricket World Cup.
Chiedza Mzembe gets to practice with her South African indoor cricket teammates only once a month. Photo: Supplied
Chiedza, a Northcliff High School learner and member of the Randburg Cricket Club, has only been playing indoor cricket for a year.
Regarding herself as more of an outdoor cricket player (she plays for Randburg’s girls’ team and Northcliff High’s U15 boys B team), Chiedza only plays the odd indoor cricket match, without committing to join a specific arena or team.
But when trials presented themselves for the SA side, Chiedza had a crack.
Now the fast bowler will represent her country in New Zealand in September.
From primary school cricketer to playing for South Africa’s U18 girls indoor cricket team at the World Cup, Chiedza Mzembe has come far. Photo: Supplied
“Going to New Zealand will be good for my status because I still want to play for the Proteas one day,” she said.
The indoor SA team only trains together once a month and Chiedza has to balance getting enough indoor cricket practice with homework and exams, and her outdoor cricket commitments.
Yet, what plagues her mind more than these challenges, is the general mentality that girls can’t play cricket as well as boys.
“When I once played in the boys’ team and the coach allowed me to bowl against an all-boys school, I took a wicket with my first ball.”
The Windsor West resident explained that when this happened, all the learners and boys doing extra-murals in the vicinity stopped what they were doing and watched her intently as she finished her over.
“Women’s cricket is not as recognised in South Africa as it should be, but over time things should improve. We need to support our women’s national team more.”
Chiedza Mzembe hopes that one day women’s cricket will receive as much public recognition as men’s. Photo: Supplied
Chiedza has to pay for her entire three-week stay in New Zealand and would appreciate any sponsorships.
It is estimated the visas and accommodation will come to R49 000 per player.
Anyone interested in helping Chiedza play in New Zealand can contact her mother, Julia.
Details: Julia Mzembe juliamzembe@gmail.com; 065 816 0772.
