Leading from the front, Laura is a calm yet impactful force both on and off the field. As Captain of the Proteas Women, her approach embodies a balance of composure and determination, guiding her teammates through the intense pressures of the current ICC T20 Women’s World Cup in the United Arab Emirates.

Drawing from her own journey, Laura embraces the challenges of preparation and strategy, fostering an environment within the team where every player feels empowered to contribute.

Her commitment to leading by example, combined with an ‘Always Rising’ approach, helps cultivate a unified spirit within the squad, reminding them that they are not just playing for themselves but for each other, their country, and the future of women’s cricket in South Africa.

SportsClub Magazine caught up with Laura in Dubai for an exclusive interview, and this is what she had to say…

Prestige: As the captain of the Proteas Women, what emotions are you experiencing as you step into this leadership role, and how do you plan to inspire your teammates on this journey?

Laura: It’s a massive honour to be captaining the Proteas at a World Cup. It’s my first time, and it’s very different from a regular series. Preparing for multiple and varied teams is quite a challenge, involving a lot of hard work with prep and analysis. In terms of inspiration, it’s tough. I try to lead from the front, doing my best with the bat and always putting the team first. I’ve also been trying to give motivational speeches before we take the field. Overall, it’s a special moment for all of us, and I feel honoured to be here.

Prestige: Reflecting on your journey to becoming a prominent opening batter, can you share a pivotal moment or challenge that shaped your career and prepared you for this World Cup?

Laura: I had a tough start to my T20 career. I opened the batting initially but didn’t do much in my first few games. I was eventually dropped and had to work on my T20 game. I was more of an ‘early eye’ player at first, but working my way back into the team, batting at number four or five, helped me improve. The spread field allowed me to ease into my innings, and I did a lot of work on power-hitting and strike rotation behind the scenes. That journey was essential for my T20 development, and I believe it made me work harder and sharpen my skills.

Prestige: What strategies do you believe are essential for leading your team in high-pressure situations?

Laura: The most important thing in a World Cup is staying calm and present in the moment. It’s easy to get caught up thinking about future games, results, or what happens if we lose to a certain team. But all that really matters is the current moment and the current ball. My main message to the team has been to stay present and calm. T20 cricket can be chaotic, so it’s crucial to take a moment to slow the game down and remain focused.

Prestige: You are described as a calm leader on the pitch – how do you think your calmness inspires your teammates?

Laura: I’m not sure if my calmness inspires them directly, but it helps create an environment where everyone can perform at their best. I don’t think anyone benefits if I lose my temper or become stressed out. Even if I’m not calm inside, I try to project calmness. It’s important in a tournament like this, where it’s easy to get swept up in the pressure, the run rate, and the scores. Staying composed is key to avoiding unnecessary pressure.

Prestige: How do you balance the expectations of being a captain with your personal performance as an opening batter?

Laura: I think captaincy has actually helped my batting. Before, I used to overthink my own game, focusing on what I needed to do to score. But as captain, I’m more focused on bowling plans, conditions, and how I can help the team win. Thinking less about myself and more about the team has improved my performance. I’m less worried about my own game now, and that’s been beneficial.

Prestige: Looking ahead to the tournament, what message do you want to convey to fans and aspiring young cricketers about the significance of this World Cup for the Proteas Women?

Laura: I’d say, support us as much as you can. In the last World Cup, we had an incredible tournament, reaching the final at home, which was special. We’ve made significant strides since then, with the introduction of domestic contracts. We have a young squad, and despite some retirements, we’re on the rise. Anything can happen in T20 cricket. Hopefully, we’ll have another chance to reach the final, so keep supporting us. Even though we’re far from home, we feel that support from our fans.

“Even though we’re far from home, we feel that support from our fans.”

Prestige: Can you share a memorable moment from your cricketing journey that still inspires you today?

Laura: The most memorable moment of my career was the World Cup final at Newlands last year. It’s my home city and my home ground. Having everyone I knew in the stands that day was incredibly special. Getting a taste of nearly winning a World Cup inspires me, knowing that we have the potential to reach that stage again.

Prestige: How do you stay connected with your teammates outside of cricket, and why is that important for team dynamics?

Laura: It’s really important to stay connected off the field. On the field, you need complete trust in each other’s abilities, and that trust doesn’t just appear when you step onto the field. It starts off the field. We check in with each other during downtime to make sure everyone is doing well, especially during long tours away from home. It’s important to keep that bond strong.

Prestige: What has been the most rewarding aspect of representing South Africa on the international stage?

Laura: It’s been incredible to see how much the women’s game has developed since I started playing. When I began, there were hardly any contracts, and we weren’t nearly as professional as we are now. The last few months, in particular, have felt big for women’s cricket with more coaches, equal match fees, and domestic contracts. It’s an honour to be part of that journey and help grow the women’s game in South Africa. It’s special to see more young girls taking up the sport.

“It’s an honour to be part of that journey and help grow the women’s game in South Africa.”

Prestige: Who is Laura outside of cricket, and what do you enjoy doing?

Laura: I spend a lot of time playing or watching cricket, but outside of that, I’m pretty laid-back. I enjoy reading, watching Netflix, hanging out with friends, and having coffee and brunch. I live near the beach in Blouberg, so I love spending time there. Family is also really important to me, and I try to spend as much time as possible with them when I’m home.

Prestige: The team adopted a special key message, “Always Rising, For Her, For Me, For Them, For All, For South Africa, For The Proteas.” What does this mean to you?

Laura: “Always Rising” is a great campaign because it reflects how we can rise to any occasion or overcome setbacks. Cricket is unpredictable – you can do all the preparation and still get out for a first-ball duck. It’s important to keep rising, especially when things don’t go your way. It’s very relevant to the game we play.

As the World Cup final takes place later today, fans can look forward to seeing Laura’s dedication translate into an unforgettable journey for the Proteas Women.

Pic Credit: Gallo Images

The post Laura Wolvaadt – A World Cup exclusive with your Proteas Women captain appeared first on SportsClub.

Bosch, who hit eight fours and a six in her 48-ball innings, shared a match-winning partnership of 96 with captain Laura Wolvaardt (42) as South Africa accomplished their goal with 16 balls remaining after being set 135 to win.

The South Africans will play either the West Indies or New Zealand, who meet in the second semi-final on Friday, in the final on Sunday, which will be the first to not include an Australian or English player.

Australia was the clear favourite to win a seventh title in the United Arab Emirates, having won six of the previous eight tournaments.

They were unable to respond to South Africa, though, who saw this as a form of retaliation for Australia’s loss in the Cape Town final the previous year.

The normally fluid Beth Mooney top-scored with a laborious 44 that included just two fours as Australia, once again without their injured skipper Alyssa Healy, struggled from the outset.

Tahlia McGrath, Healy’s replacement, scored 27 and Ellyse Perry, 31, but it wasn’t until Phoebe Litchfield entered the game and quickly scored 15 off of nine balls that the run rate began to increase.

Before being bowled by Annabel Sutherland for 15, Tazmin Brits smashed a six and a four to give the South Africans a strong start.

Bosch was then called in. Prior to Thursday, Bosch had a dismal tournament with a maximum score of 25 versus Bangladesh.

She soon found her groove and effectively used the slog sweep to throw all Australian bowlers except Sutherland off balance.

With 190 runs, Wolvaardt is now the tournament’s leading scorer. However, he was unable to complete the task as Bosch crushed Megan Schutt through midwicket to seal South Africa’s thrilling victory.

She achieved her highest total in the format and the highest score in this competition after duly recording her third fifty in T20I cricket.

The post Bosch stars as South Africa reach Women’s T20 World Cup final appeared first on SportsClub.

After battling through injuries and missing the 2023 home World Cup, the seasoned seam bowler is ready to prove her worth and represent her community of Daveyton, Johannesburg, with pride.

Overcoming Setbacks

For Sekhukhune, missing last year’s T20 World Cup was a significant setback. “It wasn’t a nice experience for me, especially because it was at home. Playing on a global stage in front of my family would have been very special,” she shares. However, this disappointment spurred her to work even harder.

“I had to sharpen my skills and reflect on what I could offer to the team,” she says. The aftermath of her recurring groin injury in 2022 and her exclusion from the World Cup squad led to both mental and physical challenges. “I had a mental breakdown. Sometimes you feel like you’re not enough, or that your skills aren’t enough.”

Motivated by her teammates and provincial coaches, including former DP World Lions coach and new Proteas Women fielding lead Bongani ‘Coach Fantastic’ Ndaba, Sekhukhune found a way forward. “I had coaches who helped me improve in specific areas, and taking small steps helped me stay motivated,” she adds.

Despite the challenges of regaining fitness, she maintained her focus. “Some days, I didn’t feel like doing anything, but I told myself to take it one day at a time.”

Pride in Representing Daveyton

Daveyton, her hometown, has always played a significant role in Sekhukhune’s journey. “Growing up in Daveyton shaped the person I am today,” she reflects. A multi-talented athlete who participated in handball, volleyball, and netball in her youth, Sekhukhune’s transition to cricket allowed her to showcase her skills on an international stage when she made her debut in September 2018.

Representing her community in the World Cup fills her with pride. “It’s special to see people from Daveyton supporting me, posting messages on social media, and knowing they’re 100% behind me. That connection really means a lot to me.”

Preparing for the World Cup

Securing her spot in the 2024 T20 World Cup squad is a milestone for Sekhukhune. “One of my main goals was to get selected for the World Cup. Now that I have, my focus is on staying consistent, ensuring I’m prepared, and being ready to seize opportunities when they come.”

Sekhukhune has also tailored her training to adapt to the challenging conditions in the UAE. “I spent more time in the sun, trying to get used to the conditions. Our tour of Pakistan before heading to the UAE helped me adjust to the heat.” As a senior player, she knows her role goes beyond just bowling. “It’s important for me to contribute as much off the field as on it. My bowling style suits these conditions, and with the team’s success last year, there’s pressure, but I’m ready for it.”

Personal Growth and Reflection

The past few years have provided Sekhukhune with opportunities for personal growth. “I had to unlearn certain habits and adopt new ones. It wasn’t easy, but it helped me improve both as a cricketer and as a person.” Her time away from the game allowed her to reconnect with family and friends. “I spent more time with family, friends, and my dog, which helped me stay grounded.”

She also pursued her studies during recovery. “My injury gave me time to focus on finishing my degree in Supply Chain Management in Logistics, and my family motivated me to continue my education.”

Advice to Future Proteas

Sekhukhune has learned the value of patience and discipline in overcoming setbacks. “Sports come with challenges and injuries, but it’s important to stay grounded. Do your gym work, train hard, and fuel your body with the right nutrients. When setbacks come, be disciplined and trust the process.”

For young girls dreaming of playing for the Proteas, her message is clear: “Cricket is a rewarding game, filled with ups and downs. Keep working on your craft, stay patient, and even if you fall down, you’ll rise again. Believe in yourself, and know that you are going places.”

Ready to Shine Again

Sekhukhune’s journey back to fitness and form is a testament to her strength and determination. As she prepares for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, she stands as a proud representative of her community, ready to make her mark once again. With the support of Daveyton and the lessons she’s learned along the way, Tumi Sekhukhune is poised to rise, carrying the heart of South Africa with her on the global stage.

Proteas Women Squad – ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 (United Arab Emirates):
Laura Wolvaardt (Captain) (Fidelity Titans), Anneke Bosch (Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Mieke de Ridder (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Ayanda Hlubi (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Marizanne Kapp (World Sports Betting Western Province), Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Seshnie Naidu (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Tumi Sekhukhune (DP World Lions), Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions)

Traveling Reserve
Miané Smit* (Recon Tactical Free State)