‘It’s an amazing opportunity we have to have all those eyes on us, and hopefully we can do them proud,’ Proteas Women captain Laura Wolvaardt said. Photo: BackpagePix
A LOT has changed in South African sport since the last ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final in Cape Town last year.
The Springboks have gone on to create history, becoming the first-ever country to win more than three Rugby World Cups.
In football, Bafana Bafana have raised the bar significantly, reaching the semi-final and finishing third at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.
The Proteas Men’s team rewrote history, reaching their first-ever World Cup final in the T20 World Cup in Barbados this past winter.
This has led to a higher level of optimism and belief in the national teams. To an extent, the level of belief in the SA players is at an all-time high.
It is this belief that runs deep in the Proteas Women camp today as they brace to climb their own Mount Everest against defending champions Australia Women in today’s T20 World Cup semi-final in Dubai (4pm start).
Despite the daunting task that lays ahead of them, Proteas captain Laura Wolvaardt and her team see a major opportunity in front of them to unite the country just as much as the other national teams have done over the last year.
Tomorrow, the Proteas Women step onto the world stage for the #T20WorldCup semi-final! 🇿🇦🏏🌍
— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) October 16, 2024
No challenge too big, no dream too far—because we are #ALWAYSRISING! 💪🔥
FOR ME. FOR HER. FOR THEM. FOR ALL. FOR SOUTH AFRICA. FOR THE PROTEAS
💚💛#WozaNawe #BePartOfIt pic.twitter.com/ObKK1EK88m
“All of those games, I remember watching them with family and friends. It’s amazing how games like that can bring people together,” said Wolvaardt, reflecting on the Rugby World Cup final and the Proteas Men’s T20 World Cup final in Barbados.
“It’s an amazing opportunity we have tomorrow to have all those eyes on us, and hopefully, we can do them proud.
“I think we don’t even realise how many people at home are following us and watching us. My mom keeps texting me that she’s been to the dentist, and the dentist is asking about our game and that they are super-excited.”
Wolvaardt and her troops face the same opponents that denied them World Cup glory in the last edition of the T20 World Cup.
However, the 25-year-old stresses that they are a now different team. The top-order batter told the media yesterday that they are a more confident team, having beaten Australia for the first time earlier this year.
The captain believes they can beat the Aussies again if they can play their best cricket.
‘A Piece of Home’ ✒️🌍🏏🇿🇦
— Proteas Women (@ProteasWomenCSA) October 15, 2024
Proteas Women captain, Laura Wolvaardt opens up about the names on her shirt and the incredible people behind them.
Each name tells a story of support, love, and belief that’s shaped her journey. As she takes on the T20 World Cup, she dedicates her… pic.twitter.com/zig1mIh5Nu
“It’s a massive game for us. It brings back a bit of a déjà vu... just a year ago, having to face them in the final. A lot has happened since then, though. Obviously, we have two wins against them earlier this year,” said Wolvaardt.
“So, that gives a bit of positive energy in the camp, knowing that if we play our best cricket, they are beatable.
“It’s a big evening for everyone. Tonight is just about doing what we can to get in the best space to be ready for tomorrow.
“A year of experience. We line up a little differently: no Shabnim (Ismail) in the XI, and (Annerie) Dercksen has come in to her spot.
“We’ve also had a bit of change in staff. We got a batting coach and a fielding coach, and Hilton (Moreeng, former head coach) is no longer with us. We have a couple of fresh faces and fresh ideas.
And then there were four 🏆
— T20 World Cup (@T20WorldCup) October 16, 2024
Who's winning the ICC Women's #T20WorldCup 2024? pic.twitter.com/WorRfdr8Aa
“It’s been an up-and-down year for us. We’ve played some good cricket in beating Australia, and had a few disappointing series as well.
“But I feel like we’ve really hit our strides in this World Cup, and looking forward to (the semi-final).”