There is undoubtedly no lack of experience in the Eastern Province Girls’ u/16 cricket squad.
More than half of the group of 13 players represented EP at last year’s national u/16 week in Pietermaritzburg. Those eight players will be back and ready to perform even better at this year’s tournament.
The u/16 Girls will play in Johannesburg from December 8 to 12.
The eight players returning for a second stint are Danika Marais, Bianca Graham, Siseko Stamper, Sibahle Kona, Kim Davids, Zara Bonnasse, Caitlyn Collier and Micayla Collier.
Marais will be playing in her third u/16 tournament and the all-rounder will once again be a key player for EP. She was named as the bowler of the tournament last year but can also play an important role with the bat.
Her EP teammates will hope Marais produces the kind of bowling she dished up against KZN Inland last year where she took seven wickets. EP won that nail-biter by a mere three runs.
Marais is all too aware that there will be even more pressure on her this time, but she is up for the challenge.
“There will definitely be pressure but I feel I have laid a solid foundation to build on and can perform even better.
“Last year I showed what I am capable of and now I need to maintain those standards. I want to enhance the reputation I have built up,” Marais said.
Her game is improving all the time and Marais is confident that she is a better player than last year.
“Since that tournament, I have dedicated more time to my cricket and worked harder than I have before.
“I want to be able to continue contributing just as much and more to the team,” she added.
Marais predicts a solid showing by EP.
“I feel we are going to perform better this year. I can see this team is working much harder in our preparation and we will give our best,” Danika stated.
Having the experience of eight players competing in last year’s tournament is a huge plus for EP, but Marais is also full of praise for the contributions the newcomers in the squad have already made.
“There are five new players, and they are passionate and eager to achieve great things.
“This attitude also encourages our returning players to step up our game,” the Framesby star explained.
Siphokazi Nazo will coach the side, and she will be assisted by Khayalethu Mpepo. Mekayla Potgieter is the team manager.
The EP u/16 Girls squad is: Danika Marais (Framesby), Bianca Graham (Alexander Road), Siseko Stamper (Linkside), Tana Sinclair, Musa Halana, Linako Cekiso, Sibahle Kona (all New Brighton Hub), Caitlin Louis, Kim Davids (both Victoria Park), Ashlee Blurr, Zara Bonnasse (Woodridge), Caitlyn Collier and Micayla Collier (both Westering).
