South Africa's Indoor Cricket Ladies Masters Team is Ready to Conquer the World Again
The S.A. Ladies Masters Indoor Cricket Team is gearing up to represent South Africa at the World Series 2024 tournament in Sri Lanka, from 23 September to 7 October 2024. With a fierce determination to compete against the best in the world, these athletes are proud to represent their country and showcase their talent on an international stage.
Indoor cricket originated in Australia and made its debut in South Africa in the mid-1980s. It offers a fast-paced, year-round alternative to traditional outdoor cricket. This innovative sport quickly gained traction among women athletes, offering an accessible and competitive environment. The game's structured format, played within a netted area, emphasizes agility and strategic play, appealing to women of all skill levels. Over the years, the sport has expanded globally, with organized leagues and tournaments in countries such as Australia, New Zealand, England, Singapore, USA, Sri Lanka, South Africa, UAE, and India. Today, indoor cricket continues to grow, significantly contributing to the sport's development and visibility worldwide.
The S.A Ladies Masters Team has a proud history, having won the tournament in 2016 and 2019. As they head into the 2024 Masters tournament, they are more determined than ever to defend their title. The team's collective motivation stems from the rewards that go beyond just the trophy—it's about the relationships built over blood, sweat, and tears during preparation and throughout the tournament. These experiences teach them more about themselves and their teammates, forging unbreakable bonds.
This year's Masters tournament is the first since the COVID-19 pandemic, and the team is more than ready for action. They dedicate countless hours to practice and come together for weekend training sessions every month, traveling from across the country to connect and collaborate as only true champions can.
Despite their dedication, indoor cricket is classified as an amateur sport in South Africa, receiving no financial support or benefits from the government. This means the players must fund their own participation. “The hardest part is asking for financial support,” the team collectively explains. “We host various fundraising events like raffles, music shows, special dinners, dances, and family game nights to cover our tournament expenses.”
Women's sports often struggle with financial support, media coverage, and sponsorships, but this squad is determined not to give up. As they prepare to defend the World Cup in Sri Lanka, they juggle careers, families, and fundraising efforts, embodying the spirit of true champions. Each of the 12 squad members needs to raise a minimum of R50,000 each to cover tournament costs, excluding monthly practice camps, gear, and travel expenses.
As South Africa celebrates Women’s Month in August, now is the perfect time to support these Defending Champions: Amy Bathgate, Christine Taylor, Elmarie Conradie, Engela van der Westhuizen, Helen Conradie, Kim Bekker, Mel Jacobs, Michelle Homann, Nicolene Boshoff, Niki de Carvalho, Rozanne Cloete, and Talita Wiegand. Your support can make a world of difference.
To support the 2024 Indoor Cricket Ladies Masters Team in their quest to defend the World Cup for the third time in a row, please contact their manager, Angela via email at: angela.wynne31@gmail.com. Your contribution will not only support their journey but also empower women in sports, showcasing the resilience and strength of South African athletes.
Proudly South African and Proudly Women.
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