She was turned away from the cricket field in her first school year but today Ankia Kapp is a valuable member of the Eastern Province (EP) u/19 Girls’ team.
It still hurts the 17-year-old all-rounder of Framesby High that she couldn’t play the game she loves from Grade 1 but she is looking forward to representing her province in her final school year.
“I am proud to end my matric year as a member of the EP team at the national Girls’ u/19 Week.
“It is also a chance to make new friends and to see how the other provinces operate. And I am a bit nervous, well actually a lot nervous,” Kapp said.
She will play an important role in the EP lineup as a left-arm swing bowler and luckily things didn’t end for her in Grade 1.
That experience when she was turned away from mini-cricket is something Kapp doesn’t want to happen to any girl again.
“My dream is to play cricket for South Africa and to use that opportunity to emphasise the importance of the sport among young girls,” Kapp explained.
“I want to get involved with coaching to make sure girls can enjoy the privilege of playing cricket from a very young age.
“There is a need to develop the sport for girls at the primary school level. I want to make a difference in that respect.
“I only got a chance to practise and play cricket when I was in Grade 7.”
She names many people who had a positive influence on her cricket development but Ankia’s older sister, Anneke, gets a special mention.
“Anneke played at u/19 level from when she was 14 years old. We always played cricket at home with my twin brother, Hendré.
“When I was in Grade 10 Anneke was our coach at school. It was wonderful that she was part of the team.”
Ankia added that there are many others who made an impact on her cricket.
“Coaches Jerry Smith and Jana Nell were always willing to go the extra mile for me and my current private coach, Oom Andrew Landman, who is an inspiration to any cricketer.”
Not only are there practice sessions with coach, Landman, for Kapp, but also with her school and provincial teams. She is also a member of the Old Grey cricket club.
Many hours are spent playing cricket but Ankia believes she has found the right balance between schoolwork, sport and cultural activities (trumpet player in the school band).
It is exam time now, but Kapp will also prepare to make an impact at the national week which is being played from 12 to 16 December in Durban.
The EP u/19 Girls’ squad is:
Ankia Kapp (Framesby), Linay September (Gelvandale), Zandile Mkele, Asanda Mbodla, Olwenthu Kwedini, Sinazo Mjacu, Liyema Gqirana, Sithesenkosi Mbangutha (all New Brighton), Sesona Jodwana, Emma Tinley, Tara Nel, Kayleigh Stead (all Pearson) and Ava Horner (Woodridge).
