The Proteas women have convened a 20-member national training camp, which will run from April 6-14 at the Cricket South Africa Centre of Excellence in Tshwane, as they prepare for the upcoming ODI tri-series against hosts Sri Lanka and India, scheduled to take place from April 27.
With the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India looming later this year, the upcoming tri-series assumes immense importance as a precursor to the global tournament. Recognizing this, the South African women’s team has assembled a strong squad, featuring three uncapped players. The training camp and the subsequent series provides an ideal opportunity for the team to fine-tune their skills, test new talent, and build momentum ahead of the World Cup.
The 20-member training camp squad, led by captain Laura Wolvaardt, boasts a strong mix of experience and youth. The squad includes wicketkeepers, Sinalo Jafta and Faye Tunnicliffe. The bowling department features a range of options, including medium pacers Ayanda Hlubi, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Eliz-Mari Marx and Tumi Sekhukhune, as well as slow left-arm orthodox bowler Nonkululeko Mlaba.
The batting department is bolstered by the presence of opening batters Tazmin Brits and Laura Wolvaardt, middle-order batter Lara Goodall, while the all-rounders’ list includes Anneke Bosch, Annerie Dercksen, Nadine de Klerk, Sune Luus, Nondumiso Shangase and Chloe Tryon.
The uncapped trio of wicket-keeper batter Karabo Meso, all-rounder Miane Smit, and spinner Seshnie Naidu have also earned spots in the squad. Notably, these players showcased their skills in the recently concluded CSA Women’s Pro20 series (2024-25), with Karabo Meso scoring 167 runs in seven matches, including a high score of 56. Miane Smit contributed 119 runs and took three wickets, while Seshnie Naidu claimed six wickets, demonstrating their potential for the national team.
Seasoned all-rounder Marizanne Kapp has been rested for the training camp and the upcoming tri-series in Sri Lanka. Instead, she will embark on an individual conditioning block to prepare for subsequent tours and the ICC Women’s World Cup later this year. Kapp has been instrumental in South Africa’s success, helping the team reach successive ICC tournament finals.
Looking ahead to the camp, Proteas Women head coach Mandla Mashimbyi emphasized a holistic approach focusing on skill development, game awareness, and team culture.
Mashimbyi highlighted the importance of learning to navigate both dominant and pressure situations effectively and expressed excitement about the inclusion of three uncapped youngsters, saying, “It’s important that we make them feel at home first, and then after that, we encourage them to be themselves, and if there are opportunities for them to play, they can make a big impact for us and themselves as cricketers.”
With their sights set on the upcoming tri-series, the Proteas women’s team will be hoping to build on the momentum from their training camp as they take on India on April 29 at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium.
South Africa squad for training camp:
Laura Wolvaardt (C), Anneke Bosch, Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Lara Goodall, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Eliz-Mari Marx, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Miane Smit, Chloe Tryon, Faye Tunnicliffe
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