EXCLUSIVE | More change at grassroots and university cricket, pleads Ayabonga Khaka

Proteas women’s fast bowler Ayabonga Khaka is pleased with the development of women’s cricket in the country and believes the next area of focus should be grassroots and university level.

Khaka, at 33-years old, is one of the senior players in the Proteas side, having earned her first international cap at 20 over a decade ago. The Eastern Cape-born fast bowler is among the few players still active who began playing long before the domestic game turned professional two seasons ago.

Having been involved in the women’s game for such a long time, Khaka praised the exponential growth since professionalism began. However, she maintains that grassroots and university cricket require more attention to take the game to new heights.

“I think in the country the game is improving, and it’s going in the right direction, I think, but there are still a lot of things to be done. Especially the grassroots and varsity cricket. All those things, I think, will make the game even better,” Khaka told Independent Media in an exclusive interview.

“But, it’s going in the right direction, it’s not something that will change overnight. You can see in provincial cricket, people are professional now, it says that the cricket in the country is growing.”

Last year, Khaka became the first Black African women’s cricketer to reach 100 ODI caps, an achievement that reflects both her longevity and success.

Khaka was part of the Proteas team that became the first South African senior side to play in an ICC final at the picturesque Newlands in Cape Town a little over two years ago. She was also in the squad for the team’s second consecutive ICC final at the 2024 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE.

With all that experience, Khaka has developed an acute understanding of her body and how she should prepare for world events. That knowledge is proving vital as the squad build towards the 2025 ICC Women’s ODI World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next month.

“Reaching 100 ODIs was a milestone. I think every cricketer wants to reach that milestone. I was just happy to be part of that and add to the people who have done it before me. I’m just grateful that I managed to achieve this milestone,” said Khaka.

“With the preparation, I think it’s going very well. I don’t think that there is any difference. I’m taking care of my body. I’ve been in the game for so long. I know my body very well.

“I’m just doing my preparations according to that. It’s a taxing format, but if you are fit and your body is well, I don’t think you will struggle as a bowler. I think we are well-conditioned as a side. I’ve been to the World Cup before and the goal is still the same for the whole group. We are still hungry to bring the trophy home.”

The Proteas women will play their World Cup opener against England Women in Bengaluru on October 3, 2025.