On this #FathersDay2022, Limpopo Impalas cricketer Nicole Labuschagne shows gratitude to her dad for his support to amplify her cricket career.
Labuschange who started playing cricket in Grade 3 for her school and was later selected to represent Limpopo Impalas at the age of 14, says her father, Lappies, is her motivation.
“To not mind other people as long as you enjoy what you doing and you do it to the best you possibly can,” is one of the advices Labuschagne says she has taken away from her dad.
The 16-year-old is aiming to use what she has learnt from her father to pass on to the next generation as she has ambitions of mentoring and coaching the youth.
Speaking with Rudene Hare, Labuschagne reveals her achievements to date and shares a message to her dad.
Nicole, thank you for chatting to us! Please give us a little background about yourself.
No problem. I’m currently 16 and love cricket. I also play guitar and work with horses. I am proud to represent Limpopo Impalas at the age of 16 with my team and as I call them my family.
When and where did your love for cricket begin?
At the age of 5 my brother played cricket for his primary school and my dad played for our town so cricket was all around me and in grade 3 I started playing cricket for my school.
Describe your major highlights and achievements in sport so far.
My highlights are the jokes with the team and all my tours around South Africa. It’s truly amazing to go around South Africa and experience different weather and pitches. My biggest achievement is playing with the women’s team since I was 14 and the progress I have made in 2 years. I’m a lot fitter and I’m happy with my style in cricket.
Can you please tell us what is the best advice you have received from your father?
My dad always tells me I just need to do what I know I can do and practice makes perfect. He’s my motivation in cricket. The best advice he has ever given me is to not mind other people as long as I enjoy what I’m doing and I do it to the best I possibly can and now when I work with kids it’s the message I give to them.
Please tell us the role of your father in your success.
A lot of kids judged me for being a girl and playing cricket and my father always supported me no matter what. My dad always helped me and it was our way of bonding.
You mention working with kids, can you tell us more about that please?
Our women’s team had a KFC day where we had to inspire kids and spot talent so I enjoyed that day and realising again I was once there. And also at my primary school I helped last week Wednesday to coach there and I’m going to do it more during this holiday. I really want to work with kids.
What other sports do you love other than the one in which you already are participating in?
I love hockey and horse riding. I did play hockey but decided to go with just cricket, and I used to do javelin and race in 100m.
What is your take on women’s cricket development in South Africa?
Women’s cricket is developing really fast and it’s good for women to get a better chance to reach their dreams and fulfil their passion.
Who do you wish was watching you perform at every game or match?
I wish my aunt was there. She passed on when I was at a young age and she always supported women doing something that men said a woman can’t do.
Name five sports personalities you think all must follow.
1.Laura Wolvaardt
2.Marizanne Kapp
3.Tazmin Brits
4.Tebogo Macheke
5.Quinton de Kock
How do you plan to use your personality to inspire the youth to excel in different sports?
I understand very easily in certain situations and I have a great way to communicate with children and I really crave to see someone succeed. I would love to inspire people from any age to do what they love and to keep working no matter how hard you fall down.
Lastly, what message would you love to give your dad for Father’s Day?
I really appreciate all the hard hours and driving me to each and every game and watching my games. Always watching my practices and giving me advice afterwards. I wouldn’t have enjoyed cricket so much if he didn’t support everyday. I love him so much.
Photo 1 Caption: Limpopo Impalas cricketer Nicole Labuschagne pictured with her father, Lappies Labuschagne. Photo: Supplied
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