Naidu a step closer to achieving national dream
KWAZULU-NATAL Coastal’s Seshnie Naidu, 15, was recently selected for the South Africa Under-19 Girls Schools team, drawing her a step closer to achieving her dream of representing her country in the 2023 ICC Under-19 Women’s Cricket World Cup.
The Amanzimtoti born all-rounder and leg spinner is no stranger to competitive cricket as she was drafted into the KZN Coastal team at the age of 14 and barely into high school.
She admits that playing with a more experienced group of players has its difficulties but is nonetheless a valuable lesson.
“Yes, it’s not easy to play amongst ladies who are nearly double your age, but being mentally prepared and listening to our coaches helps tremendously. Although I played in every game for KZN Coastal this past season, I still have lots more to learn from the experienced players. I am only 15 and in a matter of time I will make my mark. I just need to work hard on my game,” she said.
SA U19 Girls Schools team head coach Dinesha Devnarain lauded the opportunity the team provides as attempts are made to close the gap in terms of development of quality women cricket players in the country.
She also revealed the plans the team has in place when she spoke to gsport4girls.co.za.
“There is always talent at the U19 weeks but the transition to provincial cricket has not been the greatest, and it is something that can be reviewed going forward. This needs to be done to ensure that these girls are identified early, and that we invest in them from a Cricket South Africa point of view.
“If you think about it, U16 and U19 girls’ weeks are the heart of the development pipeline.
“If we want to think and talk about the future, then we need to talk about U16 and U19 cricket. The U19 girls’ squad is a massive stepping stone leading to the 2023 ICC U19 Girls World Cup. It is unfortunate that we could not have one in 2021 due to Covid-19,” she revealed.
Naidu, who is also the vice captain of the KZN Under-19 schools ladies team, lamented the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on their plans and the progress they were hoping to make individually and as a team.
“Covid-19 has really put a strain on all the players and coaches. However our fitness and conditioning coach Nadian Moodley ensures that we receive weekly work loads which must be done and submitted to her. She is tough and takes no nonsense from the ladies. I just pray and hope that things get back to normal soon.”