Parktown Girls learner elated about U16 B Gauteng Cricket Team selection

Salma Stroebel’s coach realised her talent when she joined an all-girls cricket club at the age of 10.

“I started playing mini cricket at primary school in grade one and then got into club cricket at the age of 10. After I moved to an all-girls cricket club that’s when my coach made me realise that I had the potential to go far with women’s cricket.”

The Parktown Girls Grade 10 learner added in 2018 she was first selected to play for the Central Gauteng Lions and trailed every year to see if she could make the official team.

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Stroebel noted that although she was passionate about cricket it was sometimes strenuous.

“Cricket is a game that puts you under a lot of mental stress and pressure, especially at a provincial level and many girls have quit as a result. There have been many times where I have felt belittled and judged in the sport, but I make sure that I stick to my practice and remember to have fun, and that allows me to continue to enjoy the sport.”

The 15-year-old explained she maintained a healthy diet for energy and to stay on her game during her tournaments.

Stroebel said she looked up to Kagiso Rabada.” He inspires me because he also went through the process of the Gauteng trials and dealt with the same pressure that I am dealing with and meeting him was an opportunity to find out about his cricket journey. His perseverance is something I strive for.”

The Parktown Girls learner concluded that she’d love to study a course that included sports to eventually become an umpire.

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