Dané van Niekerk could make her Proteas Women’s comeback against Ireland in Cape Town on Friday.
The Ireland tour features three T20Is and three ODIs, with the T20I series forming a key part of South Africa’s preparation for next year’s T20 World Cup. It follows their disappointing defeat to India in the Women’s ODI World Cup final.
Van Niekerk’s comeback marks a significant turn in a turbulent chapter of her career. Left out of the 2023 T20 World Cup after failing a fitness test, the former captain retired before reversing her decision earlier this year.
She says conversations with coach Mandla Mashimbyi reignited her desire to return.
“If you asked me six months ago, I probably wouldn’t have thought I would be here,” she told SportsBoom.co.za. “I took some time away just to deal with what happened, and that fuelled my fire to give it one more go.”
The 32-year-old, now playing for Western Province, brings invaluable experience to a youthful Proteas Women’s group but says she isn’t focused on reclaiming the captaincy.
“Suné and Laura have both done a great job. I’m always here from a tactical point of view and happy to be a soundboard when needed.”
Van Niekerk admits the environment has changed since she last played but embraces the team’s growth.
“There is a lot of youth, things have changed, the intensity has gone up – that’s part of evolving the sport,” she said. “I miss my friends and colleagues, but that’s the natural evolution of the game.”
Proteas Women T20I squad: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Suné Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Seshnie Naidu, Nondumiso Shangase, Chloé Tryon, Faye Tunnicliffe, Dané van Niekerk.
Proteas Women ODI squad: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Lara Goodall, Ayanda Hlubi, Sinalo Jafta, Leah Jones, Suné Luus, Eliz-Mari Marx, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Tumi Sekhukhune, Nondumiso Shangase, Miané Smit, Faye Tunnicliffe, Dané van Niekerk.
Proteas Women vs Ireland fixtures
5 December: 1st T20I, Newlands, Cape Town (2pm)
7 December: 2nd T20I, Boland Park, Paarl (2pm)
10 December: 3rd T20I, Willowmoore Park, Benoni (6pm)
13 December: 1st ODI, Buffalo Park, East London (10am)
16 December: 2nd ODI, St George’s Park, Port Elizabeth (10am)
19 December: 3rd ODI, Wanderers, Johannesburg (2pm)
Photo: Grant Pitcher/Gallo Images
