CSA director of cricket Enoch Nkwe has backed the Proteas Women to finally break their knockout-stage curse and win the Women’s ODI World Cup in Guwahati on Wednesday.

South Africa have battled through a challenging campaign to finish third in the league stage and set up a semi-final clash with England.

“We are incredibly proud of the team’s achievement,” said Nkwe. “Reaching the semi-finals is a reflection of the hard work, resilience and belief within the team. They’ve shown great character throughout the tournament and continue to inspire many young players back home.”

South Africa’s semi-final opponents will be familiar foes. In the opening match of the tournament, the Proteas Women were bowled out for 69 and lost by 10 wickets to England. Nkwe believes that defeat has only strengthened their resolve.

“The opening match was a tough lesson, but also a valuable one,” Nkwe told SportsBoom.co.za. The team has grown tremendously since then and would be eager to show how much they’ve progressed. There is definitely motivation to put in a strong performance against England.”

South Africa have reached back-to-back T20 World Cup finals (2023 and 2024) and ODI semi-finals in 2017 and 2022, but are still chasing their first global title. Nkwe says CSA has full confidence that this could be the moment.

“There is strong belief within CSA that this team can go all the way. The progress over the years has been remarkable. The players and management have built a strong culture and we have full faith in their ability to finish the job.”

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The tournament has been overshadowed by reports that two Australian players were allegedly molested by a local individual in Indore. Proteas all-rounder Suné Luus said the team is taking its security seriously.

“I will not comment on the matter. We know where to go and what we can’t do [in India]. We do have a security team with us,” said Luus.

With confidence from CSA and a renewed sense of determination, the Proteas Women head into the semi-final believing this could finally be the moment they turn years of heartbreak into history.

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