Cricket
Exclusive: Proteas women holding onto Marizanne Kapp for as long as possible
Proteas women’s cricket team aims to retain Marizanne Kapp amidst retirements, focusing on youth development and preparation for the 50-Over World Cup.
Image Credits: Alex Davidson - ECB/ECB via Getty Images
The Proteas women’s cricket team have been hit by a number of high-profile retirements in recent years, but Cricket South Africa (CSA) are set on keeping world-class allrounder Marizanne Kapp playing for as long as possible.
Over the last two years, top players Dane van Niekerk, Shabnim Ismail, Mignon du Preez and Lizelle Lee. With the exception of Du Preez, those players have all kept plying their trade for T20 leagues around the world as recently as last month.
Paul Adams, Head of spin bowling for CSA and consultant for the Proteas women, told SportsBoom.com that it was a priority to keep the 34-year-old playing her cricket for the national team.
Marizanne Kapp is like a two in one player within any group. So it's important that we really make sure that Marizanne is fit, happy and in a good space.
Paul Adams
“It's so important that we keep going with her and managing her through all these different tournaments and series. She's been a big player for South Africa and we'll make sure that she will contribute in the next few years to come as well.”
Women’s cricket in South Africa has never been stronger
With the Proteas women having reached their second successive Women’s T20 Cricket World cup final last month, the South Africans are riding a crest of a wave.
Adams explained that it was CSA’s intention to keep building on their strong performances.
“Again, second time in a row. We played really well in the World Cup, it was great to be part of it. The energy within the group was great fun.”
“Leading into it, they did a lot of preparation. But at the World Cup everyone was really switched on and got a lot of belief back into the group on what they can achieve.”
Though South Africa fell to a 32-run defeat in the final against New Zealand, there was still cause for optimism insisted Adams.
“It's unfortunate again in the final, but hopefully it's going to be third time lucky next time round.”
It's a real good group of ladies we’ve got playing. And it's just about having a lot of fight and belief. I think over the next few months, preparation for the 50-Over World Cup is going to be very important.
Paul Adams
England mission up next
The Proteas women will be in action later in November as they welcome England for three T20Is, three ODIs and one Test. With the T20Is up first starting on November 24, Adams had a clear vision of the adjustments the team needed to make ahead of the high-profile series,
“It kicks off now with a series against England. What better opposition to kick it off to know just where you're at. And then where we need to sort of tweak and make sure we are ready for that World Cup when it comes to England.”
Important role of youth and spin
Adams who burst onto the international cricket scene as an 18-year-old with his highly unorthodox action, knows all too well how effective the ‘tweakers’ can be in an emerging team.
With 24-year-old Nonkululeko Mlaba one of the stars of the recent T20 World Cup, her role in the team already seems guaranteed. Yet there are still a number of players waiting in the wings, Adams told SportsBoom.com.
“You've got young [allrounder] Seshnie Naidu who's developed. She's going to be in that Under-19 World Cup with the South African side.
“And she is one for the future that we're looking to develop, making sure we try and get a wrist-spinner involved in the space.
“And then also the young Miane Smit who's an allrounder. So she's been massive as well, came on tour, saw what it's like to be on an international tour.
“So those times spent around the team, knowing what the level of cricket is all about, is so key.
“At any stage, anyone can get injured. We've got to make sure that spin bowling is right at the top of the team selections.”
Michael Sherman is an experienced sports journalist in South Africa with 15 years in the industry. Michael began his journey in sports journalism for the SA Press Association (Sapa) during the 2010 Fifa World Cup in South Africa, before covering the local Premier Soccer League for three seasons and later specialising in cricket and golf.