Getting a sponsor is never an easy task but, at the tender age of 16, KZN scholar cricketer Jess Candler has already managed to ‘secure the bag’. It’s a big statement, and it comes with little context, so read on to be inspired by this remarkable athlete’s story.
Participating in sport comes with the financial burden of having to make sure you can fund your way, and most women in sport are familiar with juggling jobs and practise while they look to further their careers.
This burden has been lifted from Candler, who has more than proved her future in cricket is a bright one. The Howick High School learner says it was her sister, Dolphins cricketer Alex Candler, who was first noticed via social media for her cricketing exploits.
And, as the younger Candler sister explains, it was after seeing what her sister achieved, she managed to land a sponsorship too.
“My sister and I both have Instagram, and at the time we both played for the Tuskers, but now she is at the Dolphins and, because we have Instagram, a man, Imtiaz (Karodia), who owns a shop called Solly M Sports in Durban, he reached out to Alex, because he saw all her achievements on Instagram.”
“We then went to Durban to meet him, he was interested in Alex at first, because he saw all her achievements, and when he found out that I play cricket for the Tuskers, we both got a sponsorship! Since then, he has been absolutely amazing,” she told gsport in her first-ever interview.
Candler says she realises what an incredible advantage it is to have the backing of a sponsor at her age.
“I think it’s a huge privilege to have a sponsor at a young age and to have people who want to support you through your journey. That support is a key aspect of a person’s success (in their sport). Having a sponsor was a huge step forward in my career and it allows me to have more exposure.”
Knowing that certain brands and people are looking at me in and reaching out to me gave me a boost in confidence and it also enhanced my performance. It also allows me to play without worrying about financial constraints because nowadays cricket equipment is costly. Having a sponsor is a great opportunity for what’s to come.”
The 16-year-old started playing cricket when she was in Grade One. Her father played international cricket, while her paternal grandmother played cricket for Surrey in England. So it’s safe to say the cricket path was also one that Candler would follow. Her sister Alex is now a player for the KwaZulu Natal Dolphins, and has risen to the ranks after being voted the Player of the Season for the 2023/24 campaign.
The younger Candler meanwhile, has been forging her path in the sport and it has been a remarkable one. She currently plays for the Tuskers Women’s team, she made her debut on her 13th birthday. She started playing first-team cricket with the boys last year and went on to represent the Under19 Fillies team in December 2023 when she was 15.
The Grade 10 pupil says her family’s involvement in cricket has been a big part of her decision to pursue the sport.
“My dad played for Zimbabwe when he was younger, so I think I got some of his genes. I started playing cricket in Grade One when I was six years old and my mom was also my coach, so that was pretty cool. I also think, just watching Alex play, also motivated me to play as well, and seeing how she dominated over the boys that also made me want to follow in her footsteps.”
Having a sister who has walked the path before her has been beneficial for Candler. The younger sibling feels the advice she gets from Alex is invaluable as she looks to excel in her sport.
“My sister is always there to help with any of my matches and tells me what to do and what not to do. She will tell me to play straight or bowl a certain line, she is always there to help me and build as a cricketer, especially with the knowledge she has gained through coaching.”
“We always support each other in games,” says Candler, “Sometimes there is some healthy competition, however I think that is normal for siblings! She also always pushes me and makes sure that I am working hard, so that I can play my best cricket and can play to my full potential.”
Candler is dreaming big when it comes to where she sees herself in the future and with her talent, the sky is the limit.
“I want to develop my skills, where I can master the fundamentals like bowling batting, and fielding as well as constantly performing even when I am having a bad day. My main achievement is to play for my country, representing South Africa. I have set some personal records such as becoming one of the best bowlers, or all-rounders in South Africa or even the world. I know that is going to take a lot of hard work and dedication but I am up for it, and I believe that I can do it!”
“I think just becoming the best version of myself and being able to motivate other young women who want to take up the sport as a career and just showing them that nothing is impossible is also really important to me.”
She has displayed great wisdom as a future star of the game and said other young players looking to make their sport a career should consider this advice.
“Self-confidence is incredibly important, also believing in yourself and knowing that you deserve a place on the sports field. Hard work and dedication are also essential as well as striving to improve your skills in your game as a whole.”
“Surrounding yourself with a good support system with people who believe in you and staying fit and healthy will also help you tremendously in how you play and how you play,” says Candler. “However, behind all the hard work there is a passion for the sport that you are playing. I think it is crucial to enjoy the sport, as it will keep you motivated.”
Main Photo Caption: Solid family support and an inspiring sibling rivalry play starring roles in the incredible exploits of KZN Midlands scholar cricketer Jess Candler, who has her sights set on following in her big sister Alex’s boot steps all the way to the top. All Photos: Lisa Candler
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