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The road to the inaugural Schools SA20 final has been paved with incredible accomplishments and magical moments for Saints’ u/19 Girls cricket team.
Saints, who are still undefeated after 11 matches in this competition, swept past all their opponents in North-West and central South Africa to book their spot in the top 6 of the prestigious Schools SA20 finals.
Saints, who are also Noordvaal champions, have played brilliant cricket and have shown other schools how to be a unit in batting, bowling and fielding departments. What makes the team’s success even more incredible is that the average age of the side is 14, with only captain, Tshegofatso Monyela, in matric.
Monyela has been a calming influence and respected leader in the team and brings experience as an SA u/19 player. Her aggressive batting at the top of the order and spin-bowling will be a key factor in the team’s success.
Reabetswe Dithipe’s all-round ability with bat and ball, as well as the batting wicket-keeper, Jessica Joshua, will be key in the run-scoring department. Keep a look out for Gogontle Padi and Siphumele Duma on the bowling front as well.
According to Coach Ché Williams, the team’s success has been down to hard work as well as their foundation in Christ.
“All the preparation we have put into the girls has paid off and we are excited to be part of the SA20. If the girls work hard and take it seriously, they can make a career out of women’s cricket,” he added.
Coach Claudio Lucas also added that the strength of this team lies in its balance.
“We have the best batting and bowling attack as well as a top fielding unit. We are really well-rounded for such a young team,” he said.
Road to the Schools SA20 final
Phase 1 – North West Championships
Saints beat KHS by 53 runs
Saints beat Matlosana Hub by 51 runs
Saints beat Hoërskool Wolmaransstad by 8 wickets
Saints beat Hoërskool Lichtenburg by 10 wickets
Saints beat Hoërskool Wesvalia by 7 wickets
Final
Phase 2 – Central Finals (played in Potchefstroom)
Saints beat Botshabelo Hub by 6 wickets
Saints beat Kuruman Hub by 90 runs
Final
Schools SA20 Fixtures (Pool A)
Saints vs Nkowankowa – Thursday, 13 March (Tuks C – 09:30)
Saints vs John Dube – Friday, 14 March (Tuks D – 09:30)
Saints vs Victoria – Friday, 14 March (Tuks Oval – 14:00)
Final – Saturday, 15 March (Tuks Oval – 14:00)
Squad:
Tshegofatso Monyela (captain), Reabetswe Dithipe, Siphokazi Duma, Siphumelele Duma, Yodahe Erco, Jessica Joshua, Valencia Kitime, Lindelwa Makapela, Leanny Makusha, Diarabilwe Ngubeni, Kgalalelo Olaniran, Gogontle Padi, Tshiamo Skunka
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