JOHANNESBURG: One of South Africa’s trailblazing female head coaches, Asheta Mahabeer, will lead the Blind Cricket South Africa (BCSA) National Team as they set their sights for top honours in the upcoming 2024 T20 Blind Cricket World Cup, scheduled to take place in Pakistan from 22 November to 03 December 2024.
As the only team in the competition with a female Head Coach, South Africa is set to make history and inspire future generations with Mahabeer having played an instrumental role in the development of cricket, particularly for women and youth in South Africa.
Despite breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated sport, she has seamlessly earned the respect of the BCSA team.
Reflecting on her journey, she remarked: “The players respect me greatly and have never made me feel uncomfortable. They’re an amazing group of players to coach, and their dedication is inspiring.”
Earlier this year, Mahabeer guided South Africa to a clean sweep against New Zealand in a seven-match series, a testament to her strategic acumen and motivational leadership.
Speaking ahead of the World Cup, she expressed her excitement for the tournament: “Our squad is a great blend of youthful energy and seasoned experience. The players are excited to show the world what they can achieve together. It’s a dream come true to lead this improbable group to the World Cup.”
Mahabeer also serves as the head coach for Athol Heights Primary School and Durban Girls High School, and is deeply involved in coaching and selecting the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Under-16 Girls Cricket Team. She continues to play for the DHS Rhythm Women’s Cricket Team, advocating for equal opportunities and growth in women’s cricket.
The SA team will face six other nations—Afghanistan, Bangladesh, defending champions India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and hosts Pakistan—in a round-robin format, with the top four advancing to the semi-finals.
Their aim will be to improve on their fourth-place finish at the 2022 T20 Blind Cricket World Cup, held in India. The upcoming tournament, hosted in Lahore and Multan, will kick off with South Africa’s opening match against Pakistan on Saturday, 23 November.
Matches will be streamed live on the Pakistan Blind Cricket Council’s YouTube channel, giving fans worldwide the chance to support their teams.
BCSA World Cup Squad – Pakistan 2024
B1
William Malinga (DP World Lions), Sphelele Atwell Khalala (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Diketso Letlatsa (DP World Lions), Luthando Naki (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Edrich Ter Haar (Boland), Mathula John Dlamini (Hollywoodbets Dolphins).
B2
Buhle Bhidla (DP World Lions), Lesedi Lesoufi (Titans Blind Cricket), Reme Kampher (Boland), Anathi Xelelo (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Mohlolo Rametsi (Free State), Mpumelelo Luthuli (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Mabaso Mkhabela (North West Dragons).
B3
Siyavuya Mahlikihla (DP World Lions), Lwandle Bhidla (DP World Lions), Teboho Francis Moloisane (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Gaolatlwe David Landry (North West Dragons), Ephraim Mathapo (Titans Blind Cricket), Simphiwe Khoza (Titans Blind Cricket).
Standby Players
Mabaso Mkhabela (North West Dragons), Simphiwe Khoza (Titans Blind Cricket).
The squad will attend a pre-tournament camp at the Ghani Institute of Cricket from 21 – 22 November before traveling to Pakistan.
Blind Cricket World Cup Fixtures – Pakistan 2024
23 November – 06:10 SA Time
South Africa vs Pakistan – Ghani Institute of Cricket
24 November – 10:00 SA Time
South Africa vs India – Ghani Institute of Cricket
26 November – 06:10 SA Time
South Africa vs Nepal – Ghani Institute of Cricket
27 November – 06:10 SA Time
South Africa vs Sri Lanka – Ghani Institute of Cricket
29 November – 10:00 SA Time
South Africa vs Afghanistan – Multan Cricket Stadium
30 November – 07:00 SA Time
South Africa vs Bangladesh – DHA Cricket Stadium
Source: cricket.co.za
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