Cricketers plot maiden African title

SA women have an edge at World Cup

Women’s national cricket team coach Hilton Moreeng is confident that they will bring the trophy to Africa for the first time, as the team departs tomorrow for the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup that will be co-hosted by England and Wales.

The sixth-ranked Momentum Proteas are the only African representatives at the international showpiece that starts on June 24 and concludes on July 23.

“The team has been together for the last three years and that gives us confidence that we can win the World Cup and be the first African nation to achieve that. The squad is balanced and experienced.

“It is only two players [Raisibe Ntozakhe and Nadine de Klerk] who have not been part of any World Cup before,” Moreeng told Sowetan this week.

He added: “The good thing about this tournament is that you play against each and every team. We had an opportunity to play against all our opponents in the past two years and that prepared us. We are looking forward to making the country proud.”

In its 11th edition, the women’s global spectacle features eight nations. SA will compete against Australia, England, New Zealand, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and West Indies.

The top-four sides after the league stage will advance to the semis, with the final at Lord’s on July 23.

Moreeng, a former cricketer who played for Free State between 2001 and 2007, said that coaching a women’s team as a man was not as difficult as some might think.

“The ladies are willing to learn. It is very interesting to coach women because they show interest and trust in my credentials. The way they respond to what I am teaching them is amazing,” said the retired wicketkeeper.

It will be the Proteas’ fifth appearance at the tournament.

In their opening game, SA clash with Pakistan at Grace Road Cricket Ground, Leicester, on June 25.

Defending champions Australia are aiming to clinch a record seventh World Cup.