TSHWANE: The Cricket South Africa (CSA) Women’s High-Performance Skills Camp in Tshwane is bringing together players at different stages of their cricketing journeys, united by a shared ambition to strengthen the pipeline.
Among those seizing the opportunity are emerging fast bowler Nthabiseng Nini and experienced provincial campaigner Izel Cilliers, whose different paths highlight the depth and intent of South Africa’s women’s cricket.
From representing the SA U19 Women this time last year, Nini’s invitation to the national high-performance environment has reinforced her belief in the road ahead.
“It means a lot to me. Representing South Africa at under-19 level was a huge honour, and to now be invited to a high-performance skills camp so soon after shows that the pathway is real and that the work I’ve been putting in is building,” said Nini.
The past year has marked a significant period of growth for the 20-year old DP World Lions seamer, who credits improved consistency and tactical awareness as key areas of development.
“The last 12 months have been massive for my development. I’ve become more consistent with my basics, and I’ve also grown tactically, understanding when to attack, when to be patient, and how to set batters up better,” she added.
Exposure to the senior environment has also provided Nini with valuable insight into the demands of the elite game.
“This camp has really highlighted how demanding senior cricket can be, both physically and mentally. Physically, it’s about repeat efforts, recovery and being able to perform day after day. Mentally, it’s about clarity, discipline and staying switched on, even when you are tired or when things aren’t going your way,” she explained.
Looking forward to the rest of the year, Nini is clear about her objectives.
“In 2026, I want to be formally established in senior domestic cricket and consistently performing at that level. My ambition is to keep pushing closer to national selection by earning opportunities and making an impact when they come. Ultimately, I want to keep improving every aspect of my game and give myself the best chance to represent South Africa at the highest level,” she said.
Alongside emerging talent, the camp has also welcomed experienced domestic players such as Garden Route Badgers batter, Cilliers, who arrived in Tshwane on the back of a solid Hollywoodbets Pro Series campaign, which included 236 runs in five matches in the ongoing 50-over competition.
“It has been really good. I think what stood out for me was my consistency, and I want to carry that into the next season. It’s a really good environment for me, as it allows me to be myself and enjoy my cricket,” said Cilliers.
Cilliers’ journey has been shaped by movement across provinces, having previously played for Free State and the North West Dragons, and resilience in the face of injury, including a lengthy recovery from ACL reconstruction.
“Coming back from a long injury was challenging, but it made me mentally stronger. I’m a bit older now and I understand my game much better than I did when I was younger, which has helped me enjoy my cricket more,” she reflected.
The opportunity to train alongside Proteas Women players and national coaches has been particularly valuable at this stage of her career.
“I’m very excited to be here, to see how the Proteas train and what they work on. For me, it’s about identifying where I can improve, especially on the mental side of the game, and learning how to clear your mind when things aren’t going well,” she said.
As she looks ahead to the year, the 28-year-old remains driven by team success and personal growth, while keeping her long-term ambitions in perspective.
“Trying to score as many runs as possible and helping the Badgers push for the Pro50 final is a big focus. The Proteas is definitely the big dream, but I try to take it step by step. If you do the hard work and look after yourself, those opportunities will come,” she concluded.
Women’s High Performance Skills Camp Squad:
Anneke Bosch (Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Alexandra Candler (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Izel Cilliers (Garden Route Badgers), Fay Cowling (DP World Lions), Annerie Dercksen (Garden Route Badgers), Lara Goodall (World Sports Betting Western Province), Ayanda Hlubi (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Leah Jones (World Sports Betting Western Province), Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions), Masabata Klaas (Fidelity Titans), Simone Lourens (Fidelity Titans), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), Tebogo Macheke (Fidelity Titans), Eliz-Mari Marx (Fidelity Titans), Karabo Meso (DP World Lions), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Seshnie Naidu (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Nthabiseng Nini (North West Dragons), Kayla Reyneke (World Sports Betting Western Province), Tumi Sekhukhune (DP World Lions), Nondumiso Shangase (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Miané Smit (Fidelity Titans), Faye Tunnicliffe (World Sports Betting Western Province) and Dané van Niekerk (World Sports Betting Western Province)
Source: cricket.co.za
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