The countdown to the first ICC Women’s T20 World Cup on African soil is almost over as the first coin toss of one of the most anticipated international tournaments in this year’s women-focused sporting calendar is set to take place on the 10th of February 2023.
To highlight the importance of hosting a tournament of this magnitude, sporting heroes including Woman’s African Cup of Nations Cup-winning coach, Desiree Ellis, Olympic gold medallist, Natalie Du Toit, former Proteas captain, Mignon Du Preez and double-Olympian Caster Semenya have come out in support of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and become the only people outside of the tournament to hold the trophy.
The iconic women have not only set the benchmark for sporting excellence, but have provided advocacy for women’s sporting events, this is why they have been acknowledged as women who have changed the face of sports in South Africa, continuing their legacy in the country.
“I am truly humbled and blessed to be amongst those to have held the trophy and be recognised alongside other iconic women like Caster Semenya who continuously come out triumphant. She is feared all over the world and has also set the standard high for women’s sport in the country,” says the head coach of Banyana Banyana and CAF Women’s Coach of the Year (2022), Desiree Ellis.
To bring this once-in-a-lifetime moment to life, South African photographer, Liezl Zwarts captured these iconic moments and showcases the stories of the greatness and excellence of female athletes in South Africa.
Olympic gold medallist, Caster Semenya, who has faced adversity on her road to success, believes that more needs to be done to recognise women in sport and that hosting the Women’s T20 World Cup is already a win for the nation. “Hosting this tournament is a massive boost for women’s sport as it will showcase the talent and abilities we have, which I am hoping will also garner support
from more South Africans and fans all over the world,” says Semenya
“I am so honoured to be part of this momentous occasion. Not only that but this is a sign that the work we put into making women’s sport great is not in vain. Therefore we will continue to push harder and break through boundaries. I am sending loads of Semenya magic to the Proteas. I wish them all the best and I believe they can and will emerge victorious,” adds Semenya.
“As one of four people chosen, I am a ‘fish out of water’, I am honoured to be part of this tournament, and in turn, I hope I can inspire the players and as well the people who have just seen the campaign to hopefully unite them to support the Team,” says Natalie Du Toit.
Du Toit continues to say, “Trophies are a symbol of hard work, dedication and perseverance. When I held that trophy in my hand on the podium, I felt the raised heartbeat, the holding back of joyful tears, melted all the sacrifices and the moments of wanting to give up. I want each of our girls to feel that heartbeat and the joy of tears on the world stage. For me, for them, raising that trophy will symbolise every trophy and experience within my sport, and I will join them in feeling their “special moment!” of a WORLD CLASS WIN.”
Du Preez , who was the national team captain in all three formats from 2007 to 2018, believes that hosting the Women’s T20 World Cup is a significant step in the right direction. It shows how far women’s cricket has come from being an amateur sport, to now being a viable career option for young girls and she truly hopes that this inspires young girls to get involved in the sport.
“Girls, this is the moment you’ve dreamed about as young cricketers. You are one step closer to reaching your dream, to become a World Cup winner on home soil. Go out on the field, express yourselves and play your hearts out. Have no regrets. Showcase your skill to the world. Always remember “do your best and God will take care of the rest,” Du Preez said in an emotional note to her former team mates
As part of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup Trophy Tour driven by Nissan, these four iconic women are the only South African women outside of the World Cup champions who have had the privilege of holding the official trophy.
Starting on 10 February, the eighth edition of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup will bring some of the most successful and talented nations such as defending champions, Australia, England, Sri Lanka, India, New Zealand, Pakistan, two-time tournament winner West Indies, Bangladesh, and Ireland.
Fans are encouraged to #TurnItUp in support of the tournament and their favourite teams and players, who will be in action in 23 matches over 15 days. Tickets are available at stadium ticket offices and online via https://womens.t20worldcup.com/tickets. For ICC Women’s T20 World Cup match schedule details please click here.
Photo by Christiaan Kotze/BackpagePix
