Karabo Meso: “I Play My Heart Out and Let the Rest Happen”

South Africa U19 women’s cricket team wicket keeper, Karabo Meso, grabbed headlines throughout the inaugural ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup on home soil, which led to her inclusion in the Team of the Tournament.

The 15-year-old who hails from Rockville, Soweto, displayed her drive and determination to make a name for herself in the sport, as she reveals that she intends to represent the Momentum Proteas in future.

Growing up in a household of athletes, Meso’s passion for sport is certainly in her DNA and is paving the way for a bright future in cricket.

In this chat with gsport’s Tlamelo Kganakga, Meso reflects on the U19 T20 World Cup and how being in the team set-up groomed her.

Karabo, it is a pleasure having you on gsport! First up, let’s get to know about you and your background.

Thank you for having me! My name is Karabo Meso. I’m 15 years old. I was born in Soweto Baragwanath hospital on the 18th of September 2007. I’m from Rockville in Soweto. I school at Steyn City School. I live with both my parents (mom -Gloria Meso, dad – Thabo Meso and my sister – Lehlohonolo Sardick).

When and where did your love for sport begin and why cricket?

I come from a household of athletes. My mom was a netball player, and my dad a softball player, but the person that inspired me to play sport was my sister. She’s an athlete. She used to play several sports like soccer, netball, athletics, and cricket. One day I went to watch her play at Elkah stadium, that’s when I began to love the game – I was 7 years old then. I also give my mom credit for always encouraging me, I wasn’t much into cricket, preferring to do athletics and other stuff. My mom was quite persistent.

How do you balance your time between sport and school?

It’s honestly difficult to juggle school and sport because they both require my time. Things always get overwhelming, but I manage because of time management. I go to practice once or twice a week then the rest of the days and time I spend them on my school work. I also attend afternoon classes just to catch up with other learners.

You were recently part of history as you too part in the inaugural ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup on home soil. How was the experience for you and what did you take away from it?

It was an honour to be part of the ICC U19 women’s T20 World Cup. Representing not only myself but the whole country. The process and preparations we had to go through for us to be prepared for the World Cup was a great experience. Being coached and managed by the greatest, being mentored by the legends of the game, Mignon du Preez and Trisha Chetty. I’ve learned a lot of things in this campaign such as resilience, leadership, accountability, respect, and patience. The constant support we got throughout the World Cup was massive.

We must congratulate you on making it into the Team of the Tournament. How do you feel about the recognition and the way you played throughout the tournament?

Thank you! I’m so happy that I was recognised as one of the best keepers in the World Cup. I honestly didn’t know all this existed. When I play, nothing matters, I play my heart out and let the rest happen for itself. I’m honoured to be part of the team of the tournament in the ICC U19 T20 World Cup.

Which country did you enjoy playing against and why?

The team I enjoyed playing against was Scotland. After losing the India series 5-0, all the negative comments we got, losing our first World Cup game against them, I had to make sure I put my heart and soul in the next game which was against Scotland. I tried to motivate the team, keep the team energy high and make sure the team stayed in the game throughout and we finally got the win we were searching for. The win really boosted the team spirit and confidence.

Please take us back to the game against Bangladesh in the Super Six stage. You made a huge contribution to that win; how did it feel for you?

With wickets falling at that rate, hearing my dad and sister on the stands supporting me, when I went in, I had to keep my composure and try not to put Madison Landsman under pressure. My conversation with Madison was to keep the score ticking, if it’s not there to hit, we try to rotate the strike and wait for the bad balls to come so we can put them away. I had to change my game, build a good partnership and innings with Madison. One thing led to another, and we ended up winning the game.

What were some of the challenges you faced in the tournament?

Being one of the youngest players in the team, I had to adjust to some of the things. I used to play cricket with zero plans in my head, I was a little kid that wanted to play and have fun. The minute I stepped into the professional space, I had to learn that all this comes with developing my self-esteem, learn to be a leader, have communication skills, and learn to be patient with things. The whole management had to groom me. It was a great experience.

What are some of your career highlights?

Some of my career highlights are when I was called up to play in the Lions women’s senior team in 2018 when I was 11 years old. Playing Lions U16 Provincial team at the age of 12, being the captain of the team and winning all our games at the U16 weeks and lastly my biggest highlight was playing in the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup at the age of 15 and being mentioned in the team of the tournament.

Which sportswomen do you admire and why?

The sportswomen I admire are Trisha Chetty and Sarah Taylor. I’ve always looked up to them as they both specialise in what I do – wicket keeping. Trisha Chetty, she’s the real deal. I mean, she has like 322 dismissals in her career T20 and ODI combined. She’s simply the best, she brings so much energy to her game and I really look up to her.

What’s your take on South Africa hosting 5 World Cup tournaments and how this will impact women in sport?

It is quite a privilege for us to host 5 World Cups because it shows how women’s sport is developing and growing. This will encourage and motivate other young girls like me to join any sport because we are now being recognised as much as men in sport.

What is your greatest career ambition?

My greatest career ambition is to play for the Momentum Proteas and be the second youngest to play there after Laura Wolvaardt. My other non-sporting career ambition is to be a Gynecologist.

What’s your advice to young girls who aspire to get into sport?

Never think there’s limitation in women’s sport. Don’t let anyone tell you that you cannot do it because you’re “a woman” or “that sport you want to play is for boys”. We also can create change and inspire people too.