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MBY NIMROD HLOPHE
BABANE – In a nation where cricket whispers quietly in the background of sports, a pioneer emerges, swinging her bat to the rhythm of achievements.
That is the story of the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) Cricket Club star Mbali ‘Smicks’ Dlamini. ‘Smicks’ is not just a name, but a name that resonates with ability and passion within the cricketing fraternity. The versatile athlete has transitioned from soccer and javelin to make her mark in cricket. Her journey is not just about personal glory, but also about inspiring a generation of women in sports. As the captain of the Eswatini National Women’s Cricket team, Dlamini has led from the front. Her batting speaks volumes as she returned from the International Cricket Council (ICC) Twenty-20 Qualifiers in 2021 as the topscoring batsman. With her eyes set firmly on the horizon, ‘Smicks’ is not just playing the game; she’s elevating it. In this week’s column, we explore the journey.
NH: How did you start your cricket journey? When and where did you begin, and what drew you to the sport?
Smicks: On a lousy day my neighbour who also plays cricket invited me to try the sport out as they were looking for people to recruit for the school’s female cricket team. I’ve always been curious when it comes to sport and when a chance availed itself, I took it head-on. I started playing cricket during my first year of varsity at UNESWA, where during that same year I qualified for the Senior Women’s National team squad for the ICC T20 Qualifiers.
NH: What were your goals and dreams when you started, and what aspirations for the future of your cricket career?
Smicks: When I started playing, that is in 2021, I was just winging it as I didn’t know much about the sport. I also didn’t think I’d be this much invested in it. With much time and energy invested in the sport I now aspire to be one of the greatest females who build awareness about the sport and be part of its development for the country and for it to be known and appreciated as other sports.
NH: Who has been your mentor and who is your role model?
Smicks: Coaches Sibongiseni ‘Sbobo’ Dlamini and Delisa Malinga have played a huge role in sharpening my skills as a cricket player over the years. My idol would be West Indie’s Hayley Mathews who became the 2023 ICC Cricketer of the year. Mathews managed to score 700 runs, and and 19 wickets in just 14 matches. That is just huge on its own and most importantly a woman did it.
NH: How does your day look like as an athlete and how do you balance social life?
Smicks: It is work during the day and gym later on weekdays. I get to rest on weekends if there aren’t any matches scheduled and hang out with my friends or just stay in.
NM: What have been your greatest achievements so far, and why are they memorable?
Smicks: It is the first international tournament that came in 2021. I came back as Eswatini’s leading batswoman with the most runs after the ICC Qualifiers tournament in Botswana, not anticipated but achieved for a first-timer. This was a very humbling experience for me and it got to show me there’s room for improvement and I’ve been doing so ever since.
NH: What are your biggest challenges or disappointments in the sport, and how did you overcome or cope with them?
Smicks: With the sport not being ‘well known’ in the country, a lot of resources have to be pulled in to try and execute just one tournament, let alone the training sessions. This results in less game time and exposure to the sport which is the most technical part of cricket.
NH: What do you think has helped you reach where you are today, and what is your secret to success to success or excellence?
Smicks: It is God’s will, hard work and determination, plus the support from my family and friends. It has been nothing but encouraging throughout all tough and good times. Also, I’ve always been a female who loved sports from
ATHLETE PROFILE
Name: Mbali Dlamini
Nickname: Smicks
Age: 22
Position: All Rounder
Batting style: Right Hand Bat
Bowling Style: Right Arm Medium-Fast
Club: UNESWA Cricket Club
Secret to success: Stay humble, if you put the work in it will all work out. an early age. I’ve gone from playing soccer, javelin volleyball and cricket in my life hence finding balance within a sport has never been that challenging.
NH: What advice would you give to other women who look up to you?
Smicks: If you put the work in, it will all work out, we face different challenges as women in life. Why not pick one thing for you that will provide you with a different perspective as to how you will look at life and be a breather for change.
NH: You also play volleyball. How do you balance playing more than one sport and what are the benefits or drawbacks?
Smicks: Quite lucky that training times for both sports do not clash, as with volleyball we train in the afternoon around 6pm to 8pm then with cricket during weekends except when there are both games during the same weekend and sacrifices have to be made. Also, playing both sports has helped build my character as an athlete towards every situation starting from training to game time even life outside sports, it has helped create room for positivity even during difficult times.
NH: Do you think there is any synergy between the two sports? If yes how and why?
Smicks: Fitness-wise yes, the two sports complement each other and also there’s the need for arm swings in both sport. It helps my arms stay fit, strong, capable and also reduces my chances of injuries.
NH: You once pursued a degree at UNESWA, why do you think education is vital for athletes as well?
Smicks: I was doing a B.Ed. Secondary 2020 and unfortunately, I’ve had to put a pause on my studies due to the high tuition fees and funding lifestyle. Life outside sports, one cannot survive with only just sport and which calls for having means of survival without sport.
NH: What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of sports, and how do they enrich your life and personality?
Smicks: I have been lucky enough to be presented with opportunities to enrich my skills other than playing the sport, but now I am a certified Cricket Umpire also a developmental coach. Besides working as a Data Protection Officer, I enjoy going out and being with my friends most of whom are in the world of sports. This helps me with the balance of life and cope with the challenges I face each and every day.