Much-needed commercial backing from The Capricorn Group has resulted in Cricket Namibia awarding first-ever professional contracts to their national women’s team, joining a list of cricketing nations to take this vital step in a bid to advance women’s cricket.
Johan Muller, CEO of Cricket Namibia, expressed his delight at this significant development.
“For the first time, we have been able to professionalise the women’s game.”
Cricket Namibia CEO, Johan Muller
“This is a significant moment for sports in the country,” said Muller. “It’s the first-time ladies have been signed on contracts where cricket is their occupation. Ten ladies now have the opportunity to support their households by pursuing their passion. We want to thank Capricorn Group and everyone involved,” he added.
This historic moment of awarding the contracts was negotiated and signed in February 2024 and was announced at the groundbreaking ceremony of the Namibia Cricket Ground.
Marlize Horn, Group Executive of Brand & Corporate Affairs for Capricorn Group, echoed Muller’s sentiments. “This is a very exciting day for women in Namibia and the Capricorn Eagles. Thank you to the board and management of Cricket Namibia for this unbelievable and amazing gesture. We know the Capricorn Eagles will make Namibia proud,” she said.
“From our side, girls, congratulations on receiving your contracts. We know you will now work even harder and make us proud,” she noted.
The Capricorn Group Group Executive of Brand & Corporate Affairs, Marlize Horn
The Capricorn Eagles, currently ranked 17th in the world in Women’s T20I Team Rankings, have consistently been thriving and showcased determination on the global stage. With the support of these professional contracts, they are poised to reach new heights and make Namibia proud.
Namibia has followed in the footsteps of Cricket Australia, Cricket South Africa, England Board, New Zealand Cricket, and Zimbabwe Cricket (to name just a few) by rewarding and professionalising their women’s teams.
With the signing of the contracts, it establishes Cricket Namibia the only sporting code in the country with full-time contracts for both men and women national players.
With these professional contracts in place, the women’s game has enjoyed boisterous entertainment and growth across the globe. The introduction of the WWBL, WIPL, The Hundred, has allowed female players to not only enjoy playing the beautiful game but to get paid whilst doing what they love.
It further testifies to the promotion and support of women’s cricket in both national and international capacities. Professional contracts allow for female players to concentrate on fine tuning their skillset to the best of their ability instead of worrying if they are going to make it to a practise session or if they will even make the team due to work commitments. Professional contracts for female players are a game changer.
The Inaugural 10 Namibian Women Contracted Players
Kayleen Green
Suné Wittmann
Arrasta Diergaardt
Edelle van Zyl
Bianca Manuel
Irene van Zyl
Wilka Mwatile
Mekelaye Mwatile
Naomi Benjamin
Saima Tuhadeleni
Photo Caption: Commercial backing leads to first-ever professional cricket contracts for ten of Namibia’s top women players as Cricket Namibia signs the Capricorn Group to take this major step towards advancing the game in that country. Photo: Supplied
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