She is already regarded as the best u/16 bowler in Girls’ Cricket in South Africa, but Danika Marais is continuously striving to improve her game.
“My goals going forward are to continue improving in what I do, and to represent Eastern Province every year,” the Framesby learner said.
“I also want to make it into the South African Schools’ team.”
It was her sensational bowling performance for EP against KwaZulu-Natal Inland, in a thrilling match last month, which made the experts sit up and take note of this Gqeberha all-rounder.
Marais took seven wickets in this match at the Cricket South Africa national u/16 Week in Pietermaritzburg to steer EP to victory by a mere three runs.
Marais was really motivated to bowl well in this encounter.
“We batted first, and things didn’t go as planned. In the break we discussed our strategy and I told my coach to trust me and let me open the bowling. Luckily the game unfolded as I wanted,” she explained.
After the Week’s matches, Marais was named the bowler of the tournament, but she is also a very capable batter.
It is no wonder she names Protea all-rounder, Marizanne Kapp, who is also from Gqeberha, as the role model she follows in the cricket world.
Marais was introduced to the sport by her cousins and couldn’t wait to start playing organised cricket.
“Eventually I was allowed to play cricket with the boys at primary school, and in Grade 6 I joined the club Jendamark United. I still play at the club.
“Since then cricket has played a significant role in my life. It is my dream to be a professional player someday.
“Women’s cricket is on the right path. There is so much talent around.
“Many girls from different schools are getting more and more interested in cricket. This makes the sport enjoyable with more schools competing against each other.”
Cricket takes up a lot of her time, but Danika also enjoys playing netball and doesn’t forget about her schoolwork.
“I play both sports, but cricket is my priority. Balancing sport with my schoolwork has never been a real issue during both sports seasons.
“When it is time for exams, I take it a bit easier on sport.”
There are probably many batters who have faced Danika who wish the Framesby star would take it a bit easier on them also.
The Framesby boys’ side had a good weekend against Muir College, beating the Kariega team by 261 runs. Dewan Wessels hit 127 runs.
Other Gqeberha teams who did well were Pearson, DF Malherbe and Westering.
Sulaymaan Gangat (5/35) produced another fine bowling performance for Pearson in Makhanda against Graeme College. Pearson won by 39 runs.
DF beat Gamble Street High (Kariega) by 201 runs and Westering got the better of Cambridge (East London) by six wickets.
