Proteas’ Masabata Klaas: ‘We’ll keep it simple and bring home the Cricket World Cup trophy!’

Having played almost 150 matches for South Africa, wily veteran Masabata Klaas does not mince her words as she proudly proclaims her side’s goal of winning the Women’s Cricket World Cup.

The 34-year-old fast bowler, who took a two-year break from the game to raise her young daughter in 2013, has been the backbone of the Proteas women's attack throughout her career.

Now, as the Proteas gear up for the tournament scheduled to begin at the end of the month, jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka, Klaas is intent on going further than her side has ever gone before.

The Proteas have twice reached the final in ICC events dating back to the 2023 event which South Africa hosted.

Klaas’s Strategy for World Cup Success: Simplicity and Consistency

“To be honest, I think I keep things simple,” Klaas told IOL in an exclusive interview.

“I didn’t want to complicate my game because I think I have been performing well leading up to the World Cup. So whatever that I’ve been doing, I think I must keep on doing it. And most especially my consistency, I must keep on doing it going forward.

“I think the fact that we always come so close to the trophy, but so far we haven’t won it. I think that’s our motivation this season, getting our hands on it and bringing it home. Going to the World Cup, we have one goal, which is to bring back the trophy. So we want to do exactly that.”

Proteas Women Setting the Bar for the Boys

Incidentally, the women’s side reached the final of a World Cup before the much-fancied men’s team did. The Proteas men achieved that feat for the first time in 2024 in the T20 World Cup final, which they lost to India.

As one of the veterans in the side, Klaas welcomes her role.

“For me, because I’m a senior player, I’m that one person who always gives out their advice. And because we have the young ones in our team that always come to us and ask for help, I think I want them to see me as that person who is always there for them in everything, even if it’s outside cricket. I think I must make sure that they see me as their role model as well, even though we play for the same country.”

Although Cricket SA (CSA) first introduced formalised contracts for its top players back in 2013, it would be another 10 years before the domestic level also turned professional.

Women’s Cricket in South Africa: Rising on the World Stage Since 2023

“Women’s cricket has grown. Even though maybe not where we want to be, but back then compared to now, I see a lot of improvement and a lot of positive things, especially now because women’s cricket gets to be televised so that everyone can watch.

“What I would like as well is getting more sponsors for women’s cricket.”

Balancing Motherhood and Cricket: Klaas’s Journey to Becoming a Better Person

While Klaas remains a fierce competitor on the field, it’s her well-rounded life experience that makes her an invaluable asset.

“The motherhood part, I think it changed me to become a better person because now everyone sees me as a mother.

“And I'm always there for them, not only the young stars, but everyone, even the senior ones, and make sure that my door is always open for everyone who needs some help, especially when we are away.

“Because sometimes so much time is away from home. But in me being there around the young ones and everyone in the team, I think I played a major role in the team for being there and listening to them. And as well, if I have some things to say to them, they're always there for me.

“I play with my daughter. I think she's the one who makes me switch off from cricket. So she takes my mind away from cricket. So being around her, it has made me, I think, a better person. And now I know that when I move on, I need to switch off from my work, being a mom to her.”

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