JOHANNESBURG: Despite a slow start in the Hollywoodbets Pro Series, notching up just one win in both formats in the first half of the season, off-spinner Paulinah Mashishi and the Fidelity Titans rallied with three One-Day and five T20 victories to secure a fourth-place finish in both competitions.
Mashishi, who was the Titans’ Player of the Year last season, ended 2024/25 with a total of 22 wickets in the Hollywoodbets Pro 50 and Pro 20, seven short of last year’s 29 scalps. Reflecting on a season of two halves, she highlighted how belief fuelled the team’s and her upturn in form later in the summer.
“The first half of the season was tough for us. We could not match up performances. We were off the mark sometimes with the bat and other times with the ball. The second half was great because we were able to pull off performances with both the bat and ball.
“Earlier, I was not impressed with any of my performances. In the second half of the season, things changed massively. I felt like myself again. Sometimes, all you need is one or two people to believe in you and continue to back you,” the spinner noted.
Hailing from Hammanskraal, north of Tshwane, the 26-year-old has just completed her 12th season at the Titans, having made her senior debut at 14 before going on to play 91 List A and 61 T20 matches, taking 158 career wickets.
Like many of her Hollywoodbets Pro Series colleagues, Mashishi’s love for cricket began at the KFC Mini-Cricket level during her primary school days.
“I got picked by a teacher in primary school to play Mini-Cricket. I proceeded to play for a local club called Hammanskraal Cricket Club. This is where I received formal coaching and guidance. I used to play cricket with friends back in the day, and we would walk to training together.
“What made me stick around was the opportunities that came with it. Going to train at Supersport Park once or twice a week was kind of a breather. Getting out of kasi (the township) and seeing places really helps a person to dream big. Also, making my debut at only 14 years of age showed my exceptional talent and dedication from a young age,” Mashishi explained.
After her rapid rise to senior cricket, the off-break bowler continued her cricket career in high school in the boys’ league at Prestige College before going on to study at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).
“As for my journey from Hammanskraal to the professional stage, this was all about dedication and also the support from my family and friends. I had to balance my school work and sports.”
Along with her loved ones, Mashishi also credits her mentors for guiding her career. “I have had professional mentors from MAD Leadership Foundation (Candice and Oyama), who helped me navigate varsity and playing sport. They’ve provided me with opportunities to attend workshops, seminars, as well as therapy where it was needed. I have also had a personal mentor, Phindile Jonas, who continues to offer guidance and support.”
With domestic cricket offering a crucial platform for growth, Mashishi has her sights set on higher honours.
“Domestic cricket is incredibly valuable, as it provides a platform for players to develop their skills, gain experience, and get noticed by national selectors. Playing against top Proteas players at the domestic level has helped me improve my game and build confidence.
“I have aspirations of playing for the national team. For me to step up to the national stage, it’s essential to continue performing consistently at the domestic level. I believe I need to work on physical conditioning and mental preparation. I am looking at the big leagues like the Women’s IPL, Big Bash, and The Hundred,” she concluded.
Source: cricket.co.za
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