Recognition from my teammates means the most: Dane van Niekerk

Dane van Niekerk, captain of South Africa, says she was ‘caught by surprise’ after being named the Women’s Player of the Year at the Cricket South Africa awards function held in Pretoria on the weekend. To add to that award— which she has now won three times in the last four years— the allrounder also bagged the Players’ Player of the Year award.



“It’s obviously a bit of an emotional ride for me right now. It was a pretty rough six months for me,” said van Niekerk who missed nearly six months of international cricket due to injury.



“You know I love the game, so being away from my team-mates first of all, and being away from the game, was really tough. But that happens in any career and I'm just stoked.”



Since June 2018, the South African skipper has enjoyed a phenomenal run of form, scoring her maiden international century against Sri Lanka to go with seven fifties. She has also claimed 12 wickets through this period in which she has played 19 matches— both formats combined.



“First of all, the recognition from my team-mates, that means the most because it shows they appreciated the efforts that I put in before I got injured and then obviously getting Player of the Year, I didn’t expect it,” she added. “There were a lot of players, who after my injury put up their hand by playing really well. I really feel honoured.”



Marizanne Kapp and Shabnim Ismail, South Africa’s deadly new ball duo, bagged the ODI and T20I player of the year awards respectively. Tumi Sekhukhune, another young fast bowler, was awarded CSA’s International Newcomer of the Year award.



Since her international debut, Sekhukhune has claimed 10 wickets in eight ODI matches and also managed 11 wickets in her 14 T20Is for South Africa.



“I was really overwhelmed after winning the award,” said the 20-year-old. “I think the only thing that got me here was hard work and dedication to my job over the past year and I feel really privileged to be given this award.”



“I’ve been getting more exposure and experience by being in the Proteas set-up, especially at a very young age. With more experience my performances can get even better. It’s great to be able to play for my country and represent this proud Proteas badge.”



Other award winners include Nadine de Klerk, who was named CSA Girls Under-19 Player of the Tournament, and Sune Luus who was awarded Provincial Cricketer of the Year.