Howzatt... Gansies!

It has only been 6 months since South Africa hosted the ICC Woman’s TZO World Cup for 2023 and the whole world was watching. Finally, an opportunity and more exposure for girls to see their mentor in this great game in action. After the momentous success of this World Cup, the need and advantages were recognised, and something great was being planned, something bigger. Little did Gansbaai and three of our very own young ladies know, that they are on the brink of making history. 

Fay-Annette Kruger (17), currently attending Bredasdorp High School, and Lisa-Marie van Wyk (17) and Alexa Collins (16), both attending Curro Hermanus, graduates of Laerskool Gansbaai have been making waves in the world of female cricket. Lisa-Marie was Head Girl in 2019, Fay-Annette student council in 2019, and Alexa, Under head Girl in 2020. These girls had exemplary primary school careers, which provided them with a strong foundation to build in their high school years.

They all showed an early interest in cricket. Not many primary schools have girls-only cricket teams. Mr Jonathan Doyle and Mr Devin Sauls (currently acting headmaster of Laerskool Gansbaai) coached the senior cricket team. These men always made sure that the girls were part of the team, took to the all-boys sectional trails and coached them just as equally as the boys. So, the spark turned to a flame. This manner of coaching and inclusivity ensured that they would have great fundamentals moving forward in cricket.

In 2022 Alexa and Fay-Annette were both chosen for the South-Boland u/19 squad. Later that year both were also accepted into the Boland Regional u/15 squad which Alexa captained. With woman’s cricket receiving more attention this year it was evident that there are many young girls who have a hunger for the pitch.

In February of this year Alexa, Lisa-Marie and Fay-Annette were taken into the South-Boland team again. In June it was announced that Alexa will form part of the Boland Winter squad. Alexa was also recruited by Carlton van Wyl, coach of the Caledon Cricket Club in February where she was awarded recognition for 5 wickets in a match, obtaining Boland team and achieving the Club’s first bat-trick. Alexa also received accolades for her achievements in cricket by Curro Hermanus, receiving Best Junior Cricketer for 2022 and thus obtaining half sport honorary colours.

In June it was announced along with the upcoming T20 league with input from Boland and private investors and sponsors. A u/19 lady's division will make its debut. Announced on social media, cricket clubs and schools’ girls were encouraged to submit their statistics and register to be considered for this momentous opportunity. Beginning of June, the final drafts were picked, and the teams were officially announced at an event held at Boland Eurolux Stadium. Lisa-Marie was drafted to the u/19 Drakenstein Dragons representing the Winelands.

The Overberg Eagle, managed by Mr Gershon Witbooi drafted Alexa and Fay-Annette as part of the u/19 woman’s division. Mr Carlton van Wyk is also the assistant coach for the team. When interviewed, Mr Witbooi confidently announced that the u/19 woman’s Overberg Eagles is the team to beat. The Overberg Eagles will be representing the Overberg in this tournament.

Other teams taking part in this tournament is the Stallions, Guardians, and the Wild Cats. The tournament kicks off on the 15th of September 2023 where the Overberg Eagles will face the Wild Cats. The tournament will be hosted by the Boland Eurolux Stadium. The same stadium where South Africa beat New Zeeland in February.

We wish our Gansie-girls the best of luck in the tournament and may the Overberg Eagles bring the trophy home. These girls make Gansbaai Lekker!

Chrizzelda Collins