Esteemed cricket lass aims to advance women
SHE may have retired as a professional cricketer for the Proteas but there is no stopping Dinesha Devnarain, who is one of only eight women in South Africa to be awarded their level three CSA Coaching certificate. Devnarain is now vying for a level four coaching certificate.
The goal driven 29-year-old, of Chatsworth, who retired in 2013 from the national women’s team, is the head coach of the U19 and the KZN women’s teams.
The former bowler, who is also the national academy women’s assistant coach, said her journey began at age seven, playing “backyard” cricket.
“I used to play with the boys on the road, using a plank as a bat, an installation-tape made ball and a dustbin as stumps. It was really exciting and my brothers treated me as a cricketer and not as a girl, so I played just as hard as them. I also realised at the time that I had a real passion for the sport. Whenever I felt sad, I would pick up the bat or ball and play. I felt like I escaped into a different place, one where I was happy, content and full of joy,” she said.
Devnarain added that her dad was her biggest influence when she decided to play at a competitive level – after her family moved from Springs in Johannesburg to Durban.
“When I started playing, one of the challenges I faced was stereotyping and bullying, as cricket was a male dominated sport. However, the support from my family made me persevere. They were ecstatic when I told them I planned on playing competitively. They always wanted what was best for me, so they supported me. In fact, they believed in me more than I believed in myself.”
Devnarain continued: “Family is extremely important and comes in different forms and it may not always be blood. I lost my sister, dad and grandmother in a space of three years. The loss of my loved ones took me to a dark place but the love they have instilled in me made me into the person I am today.
“Their loss made me realise there is more to life than money and making it big, but rather appreciating life and if you are in a position to do good, then do good well, and help people because not everyone has been dealt the same cards.”
Devanarain, who played provincial cricket for 15 years and national cricket for nine years, said her greatest success was being a contracted national professional player.
Some of achievements include KZN Cricketer of the Year, KZN Coach of the Year 2015, CSA Provincial Domestic Cricketer of the Year 2015, and KZN Sports Personality of the year at the KZN Sports Awards in 2016. Devnarain said she was also involved in social upliftment through the non-governmental organisation DND Sporting Projects which helped women participate in sport.
“I am in a position to help people and empower them to become better versions of themselves, to live a life they can be proud of. I am also a firm believer in women empowerment and the importance of opening doors for women when it may seem impossible. It is also important to understand that women don’t belong to stereotypes and can be anything they chose to be. For a long time we grew up thinking, ‘its not for women’ or it is a ‘man’s job’ so why try?”
“It is actually one of the most important values I incorporate within my coaching – to uplift and be happy for other women. Do not be jealous of another woman’s success as you don’t know what she has to go through on a daily basis. Instead of being jealous of her achievements, be encouraged. It is hard enough for women to succeed. The fact that she was able to break through the glass ceiling should fill you with hope. If she can do it, so can you.”
Devnarain said her goals included becoming a life and national coach, and to win a world cup.