Amongst the many faces around the Titans, there is one that has been around for a lot longer than most. In what is predominantly a man’s world, Karen Smithies has carved out a niche for herself in the team management, making herself a much-loved part of the furniture. “It’s been such a privilege to have been with the Titans for 15 years,” the woman affectionately known as ‘Kaz’ said. Smithies feel that opportunities for women in senior management level within cricket structures are extremely limited and something she hope will change in the future. For her, it is imperative to recognise and get ex-women cricketers in South Africa involved in the game at all levels. “These people are pioneers of the women’s game in this country, and deserve a lot more credit than they get. Basically, more women should be involved in the women’s game,” she said during a recent interview. Reflecting on her own journey in the game, Smithies was given her chance by another female icon within the South African structures. “I was offered the opportunity by the late Elise Lombard, who was CEO. Sadly, she passed away on Women’s Day in 2012. She encouraged me to use my cricketing experience as well as giving me confidence in my role and within a ‘man’s world’. For a large part, I think I have done just that and made some very good friends and fond memories,” Smithies explained. Smithies made her name as a cricketer in her own right, and has the honour of being the only senior World Cup winner within the Sky Blues family. She captained the England women to a second world title in 1993, and her efforts in the game saw her awarded an Order of the British Empire by Her Majesty, The Queen. She also holds an honorary Life Membership with the MCC, an honour bestowed upon her in 2017. “My love for cricket came from my Dad. He was captain, groundsman and Chairman of a local club. Mum made the teas and my sister was the scorer. It was only natural that I followed, and I ended up as the captain of the U.18 boys team at the same club,” she remarked with a smile.

That foundation soon got her noticed, and she started out in women’s cricket in 1983, after an umpire recommended that she go for Nottingham Ladies’ trials. Her progress was swift as an all-rounder, and she was in the Junior England set-up within a year. By 1986, she had made her full English debut against India. In all, she played 15 Test matches and 69 one-dayers for her country, traversing three World Cups. Beyond the game, she earned her coaching certificates, with her Level 3 seeing her employed as the Northerns Women’s coach in 2003. The growth of the game internationally excites Smithies, as the prominence of female cricketers is enhanced by the year. Stand-alone tournaments have given a new dimension, and the impact is being seen across the world. “The women’s game internationally is in a really good space right now. We saw a full house at Lord’s for the 2017 Women’s World Cup final, and the recent full house at the MCG. With proper national contracts in place for the majority of countries, women’s cricket will only get more professional and stronger,” she enthused. “Competitions such as the WWBL also create strength and opportunities.  I think it is also becoming a very marketable commodity with sponsors looking to join the growth. To think that my ex-England teammate, Clare Connor, will be the next MCC President is a massive step, and one that will go down in history.” But there are still some massive challenges, especially closer to home. Having been in and around the women’s game for over a decade, Smithies has thoughts on the matter. “Domestically, I really think there is a lot of work to be done at grass roots level, right through to senior level. In my opinion, women’s cricket has not been taken seriously for a long time and only now are the top players seeing a change,” she challenged. She believes more focus should also be provided to the next level of players to keep them in the system. “You need contracts, a much stronger domestic structure and more fixtures against stronger opposition, as well as a strong coaching and managing structure,” she commented. Do you have more information about the story? Please send us an email to editorial@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114. For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s website: Rekord East For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram