The South African ladies team is going to the Indoor Cricket World Cup in Australia in October to win the competition.
This is according to captain Kayleigh Tapp, who attended the team’s training camp at Benoni Action Sports on August 9.
Following their 2017 world cup final loss to Australia, Tapp is adamant that 2022 will be their crowning year.
“We are not going there for a silver medal. We are going there for gold and we stand a good chance. We have the team and skill. We need to come together as a team and go Down Under to take the gold,” she said.
The team has held several training camps to prepare for the tournament in the Antipodes. Tapp revealed the squad is on a high after their latest camp in Benoni.
“This weekend has made a huge difference so far in our preparations. We only have six days left together as a team before we depart for Australia. We are left with three more camps after this one.
“We need to keep building as a unit. The fact that we have come together as a team is one step in the right direction.”
While on paper they are the team to beat due to their experience, who are their greatest rivals?
“Without a doubt, Australia”, Tapp said.
“At the last world cup, their coach said they would hate to face us at the next world cup. As much as we know they are our greatest rival, in the back of their minds they think we are their greatest rival.”
While their arch-nemesis enjoys the full backing of Cricket Australia, vice-captain Dorothy van Wyk bemoaned the lack of support from federations such as CSA.
“We have a problem where outdoor and indoor cricket is still treated separately in South Africa whereas in other countries it’s the opposite.
“Other countries understand the benefits of indoor cricket for the outdoor game and both fall under the same banner. Here we are self-funded. We don’t enjoy the backing of CSA like Cricket Australia supports their indoor cricket team.”
She added that for indoor cricket to grow, administrators need to acknowledge that it’s a sport, not a hobby.
“Women’s outdoor cricket in South Africa is on the rise but indoor cricket is not considered cricket by some people. We do everything that they do. We need the support that they get.
“T20 cricket is now part of the Commonwealth Games. Indoor cricket is shorter and more exciting. Why not allow us to go? If we can get more exposure, it would be nice,” Van Wyk said.
Tapp has appealed to the public for financial support for their trip to Australia.
“Besides media coverage, we need sponsorship. Some talented players can’t afford to go to Australia and because of a lack of sponsorship, they couldn’t make the squad.
“If anyone is keen to sponsor the team, it would be greatly appreciated. It’s a heavy burden trying to perform on the court while worrying about finances,” Tapp concluded.
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