Two Incredible Weeks of Women’s Sport in Cape Town, bring it on!
The Protea’s Women Take on Ireland
It’s been almost 3 years since we last saw our Proteas women on Cape Town soil. That was a day to remember. The final of the Women’s T20 world cup, the 26th of February 2023 at a packed Newlands stadium. It was a day where memories were made and hopes were realised. Although our beloved team didn’t lift the winning trophy, it broke the ceiling and ushered in a history changing chapter of the South African cricket story. Now we welcome our women’s team back to Newlands for the start of the international home season. This Friday, December 5th at 2pm (original time was set for 7pm but had to change due to the delay in setting up the flood lights at the stadium), will witness the first match in the three T20i matches. Boland Park in Paarl will play host to the second one, and it promises to be exciting match ups. Captain Laura Wolvaardt has just returned from the WBBL early for the start of the season, and is still carrying fine form from the world cup. Excitement has stirred with the return of Dane van Niekerk into the squad. Gaby Lewis the captain of the Ireland women’s team, made her international debut in cricket, against South Africa when she was just 13 years old. Now she has made the Garden Route Badgers her home as their season’s international signing. She bats deep and hard and will be a force, along with Orla Prendergast! Cape Town, grab a ticket and enjoy the games, it’s something you won’t want to miss!
The HSBC Sevens
It’s known as the kick off to Summer, but I’m just there for the women’s rugby! A new format for this year’s sevens does mean our Blitzbok Women, (a fan favourite), will not be part of the action but the best teams in the world are showing up to take glory. The Black Ferns women (and men) just took the honours in Dubai and will be hoping to do the same in Cape Town.
The women’s pool draws see New Zealand, Fiji, Great Britian and the USA in Pool A.
While Australia, Canada, France and Japan will do battle in Pool B.
Saturday’s fixtures kick off at 10am with Japan and Canada, followed by Australia and France. The best in rugby will be there. Sevens is exciting, it’s fast and it’s a chance to witness some of the best players in the game.
The Nkosi Cup Tournament
The 3rd annual Nkosi Cup indoor hockey tournament is taking place from the 12th to the 16th of December at the Wynberg Military base. It promises competitive action, top – class skills and a team hungry to take the crown this year. The SA women’s indoor team will be competing against Namibia, New Zealand, Australia and Zimbabwe. Last year’s thrilling final between our women and Namibia was nail biting, but ultimately Namibia took the overall win. The SA team will be looking to correct that this time around.
So many women’s sporting events are taking place across the city over the next two weeks, it’s a rare chance to witness and support our women’s team across sporting disciplines. Including getting to shout, and scream for the teams we love most in the Sevens! I hope to see you there.
