Irene van Zyl to lead Namibia in Kwibuka T20 tournament
The Capricorn Group yesterday announced that they are the official sponsor of the national women’s cricket team ahead of their send off to Rwanda for the Kwibuka T20 tournament this coming Saturday.
Speaking at the sending-off ceremony in the capital, Capricorn Group executive, Marlize Horn said they are excited to partner with Cricket Namibia, whose leadership has over the years demonstrated their passion and commitment to cricket.
“They have a sound track record of managing the sports code in a professional and efficient manner, and have a clear vision and strategy on the development of cricket across Namibia for girls, boys, men and women.
“For us at Capricorn Group, together with Capricorn Asset Management and Capricorn Private Wealth, it is therefore an honour to become involved in women’s cricket in Namibia. We are very proud of the national women team’s achievements of being ranked 23rd globally, third in Africa, and in 2019 they were 13th on ICC International Scorecard. With this outstanding reputation, we foresee a positive future for them,” she said.
Meanwhile, women’s cric zone website reported yesterday that veteran all-rounder Irene van Zyl will lead Namibia. The board announced a strong 14-member squad that departed for Kigali.
Merzerly Gorases is the only uncapped player in the squad.
Senior batter Yasmeen Khan, who led the side during their last international assignment, the T20 World Cup global qualifiers in Scotland in 2019, has retained her position in the team. She will play a key role with the bat alongside Andri van der Merwe, Kayleen Green, Arrasta Diergaardt and Sune Wittmann.
With the ball, Namibia have stuck to their strengths, picking a seam heavy bowling contingent for the tournament. Sylvia Shihepo, the team’s highest wicket taker in T20Is with 25 scalps to her credit, will spearhead the attack along with Green and Van Zyl.
Namibia will face hosts Rwanda, Uganda, Botswana and Nigeria in what will be their first experience of the Kwibuka T20 tournament. Considering their experience on the world stage, they will enter as favourites, followed closely by Uganda.
The tournament will mark Namibia’s return to international cricket after a period of close to 21 months. It will also be an opportunity for head coach Francois van der Merwe to get a good look at his charges for the first time since taking over in August 2020.
Squad: Irene van Zyl (c), Yasmeen Khan, Arrasta Diergaardt, Kayleen Green, Adri van der Merwe, Reehana Khan, Didi Foerster, Wilka Mwatile, Sylvia Shihepo, Sune Wittmann, Shiwomwenyo Namusha, Victoria Hamunyla, Edelle van Zyl, Mezerly Gorases.