A young female cricketer from Zwelethemba in Worcester has been included in a provincial team barely five months after taking up the sport for the first time.
Hard work, passion and determination have yielded positive results for this young cricketer.
Asiphe Mbinda (16), a grade 10 learner at Vusisizwe Secondary School, is making waves in cricket circles as she recently received Boland colours.
With merely five months of training, Mbinda is convinced that she would be able to change her current situation if she continues working hard.
Prior to taking part in the sport Mbinda had just been a supporter thereof.
“I have always been interested in cricket and before I got the opportunity to actually do the sport, I had just been a fan, like everyone else. What I have learnt thus far is that I can excel to as far as I have set my sights on.”
Five months ago, Mbinda and her coach used stones as balls and bins as wickets, little did they know they were preparing for what lay ahead.
Her coach, Mteto Tshunungwa, is elated about the young girl’s achievement.
“Since we started with cricket training in May, the school has provided balls and equipment,” says Tshunungwa.
Apart from having to rope in knowledge from people who have expertise in the sport, they have also had difficulties getting the players to trials, which are often played in Paarl.
In August Mbinda participated in trials which were held in Paarl, for selection to the junior team which will travel to East London in December.
The young, fast bowler took 3 wickets for 21 runs and immediately secured a spot in the team.
She was also included in the senior team which travelled to Bloemfontein.
“My inclusion in the senior team prepared me for the tournament I am going to participate in, in December. It also motivated me to work even harder,” says the shy girl.
She also shared that the exposure to the vast team dynamics also showed her that circumstances does not determine one’s future.
“The team comprised of players from different schools in the Boland and it just proved to me that hard work and talent is what brought us together.”
“I am also proud of myself for being able to achieve what I have, in just a short space of time.”
