Giyani teen (16) selected for CSA World Cup pathway
16-year-old Murisi Rikhotso earns a place at the CSA women’s camp, chasing her dream of playing for South Africa at the 2028 World Cup.
LIMPOPO – Murisi Rikhotso, a 16-year-old girl from Section-F in Giyani, has been selected to attend the Women’s Cricket South Africa (CSA) camp, a programme designed to groom young players who could represent the country at the 2028 Cricket World Cup.
Young talent rises from Giyani Cricket Hub
Rikhotso’s journey is one of talent, dedication, and ambition, having developed a love for cricket at a young age.
From her early days playing at the local Giyani Cricket Hub, she has consistently impressed coaches and teammates with her skill and determination.
Her hard work has earned her a spot in the CSA women’s team, a significant achievement for someone so young.
And now that she is part of the CSA, her goal is to represent South Africa at the 2028 World Cup, aiming not only to compete at the highest level but also to inspire other young players from her community.
Coach praises standout national performances
According to her coach at Giyani Cricket Hub, Dingani Mathonsi, Rikhotso’s selection is the result of her outstanding performance during last year’s South African Cricket Week in Gauteng. “Murisi performed exceptionally well during that event and was recognised among other players for her remarkable talent in cricket,” he said.
Her performance led to an invitation to a two-day cricket camp in Pretoria last month, where players’ skills are tested and refined. An invitation to be at that camp means that the player is part of the CSA team being groomed for the 2028 Cricket World Cup.
“She will therefore continue to be invited to similar camps from time to time, as long as her skills are needed, until 2028 when the final squad to represent South Africa at the World Cup is selected,” explained Mathonsi.
Rikhotso, who also plays for the Limpopo provincial team, is the only player from the province to make it into the CSA camp.
“We’re hoping she will do well and make Limpopo proud when the time comes for her to shine,” Mathonsi added.
Dreams of 2028 World Cup glory
“It means I’m growing, especially knowing that I started playing cricket here for Giyani Cricket Hub, then got selected to play for Limpopo, and now I’m playing for CSA Women’s Cricket. For me, that’s huge progress that anyone would wish to achieve.”
Rikhotso believes her youth gives her an advantage over others as she continues to develop her skills. “The competition is tough, I know, but since I’m still young and have more time to master my skills, I don’t see myself failing to make it to the final squad,” she said.
For Rikhotso, cricket is more than a sport; it’s a pathway to change her life and support her family.
“Currently, the situation at home is not good, so I’m banking on this sport to become a successful sportswoman one day and be able to improve my family’s condition,” she said.
