Magnificent Kapp knew good performance was 'long overdue'

IN THE immediate aftermath of the Proteas Women’s epic World Cup semi-final victory over England in Guwahati, star all-rounder Marizanne Kapp video-called her wife, Dane van Niekerk.

Van Niekerk, of course, is the former Proteas Women captain who was at the helm when the team agonisingly lost their first-ever World Cup semi-final to England in Bristol in 2017. The images of Van Niekerk in tears and Kapp with her head in her hands were long the tortured symbols of the Proteas Women’s team.

On Wednesday, Van Niekerk was crying again during the call with Kapp — but this time, they were tears of joy, as the veteran played a starring role in helping the Proteas overcome their semi-final hurdle and reach a first-ever ICC Women's Cricket World Cup final.

“She literally cried for the last hour,” Kapp said of Van Niekerk. “She is just so jealous of the team, but even more happy for us.

“It’s amazing. We’re just so blessed to finally get over the semi-final.

“Nothing is more important than family. I even said it in the morning. I've always been so focused on wanting to win a World Cup. And this morning, our team doctor came to my room, she prayed for me, and then she told me a story. It was almost then when it just hit me that cricket isn’t everything. Maybe I’m on this path for another reason, I don’t know.

“Having these girls around, having team management around, and then family — ultimately, especially if it doesn't go your way, they’re always there, no matter the outcome. That’s really special. Just knowing I can go back to my family.”

Kapp delivered arguably her finest performance in her 16-year Proteas career, scoring a vital 42 runs and claiming 5/20 with the ball to lead her team to a 125-run win.

She credited the team for her performance.

“Well, to be honest, I probably haven’t had the best World Cup personally, so coming into this game, I knew I was due a good performance. 

"(Laura) Wolvaardt was brilliant as well. She’s so consistent. But I think it’s just the experience of having been here for so many years — ultimately, that is what wins you semi-finals and World Cups,” Kapp said.

“I feel like in past semi-finals, I probably haven’t been at my best and haven’t contributed the way I should have. 

"So, I’m really happy that I could make a difference in the result. But again, it’s just the love of the sport. That’s why we play, because we just love cricket so much, and I absolutely love playing for South Africa.”

Cape Times