Proteas Women all-rounder, Nondumiso Shangase’s career has taken the world of cricket by storm. It has been six years since she had taken up cricket but her rapid rise to the national women’s team came after hard work and determination that resulted in her being part and parcel of the squad that recently toured India.
Shangase was named in both the five T20i and the three-day ODI series squads that played in Surat and Vadodora, respectively, in September/October 2019. Her inclusion in the team has come at a crucial stage where Proteas Women head coach, Hilton Moreeng is affording the younger crop a chance to build their foundation within the national side as preparations are in full swing for the 20202 T20 World Cup and the 2021 50 overs World Cup.
The exciting young cricketer grabbed her opportunity with both hands when she was given her chance, most notably when she had taken two wickets from three overs in a T20i match and made her ODI debut, claiming further international wickets along the way and making her presence felt to the rest of the cricket world.
During the tour, gsport Founder and Editor, Kass Naidoo had the privilege of getting to know more about the KZN Women’s Coastal limited overs captain, as she revealed that her journey began when she would be her brother’s supporter when he would play the sport on Sundays.
“I started cricket while watching my brother. He would always go and play every Sunday.”
Her interest for the game was instantly sparked and she ventured into crafting her love for the sport on the field where she eventually went on trial at the KZN Coastal U19 team.
“In August 2013, they introduced me to a women’s coach, because we didn’t have women’s (cricket) in our area, so they introduced me to Sandile Hlongwa, and he was my club coach.
“He took me to the KZN U19 trials that year – 2013, and I made it. From there I worked with Dinesha (Devnarain) until now.”
Dinesha Devnarain, the coach of the KZN Coastal Women’s Cricket team took Shangase under her wings, but before that could even happen, the young girl had to face her football coach to let him know that she would be hanging up her soccer boots.
“I was playing netball before I joined cricket and ladies’ soccer. I remember the day I told my coach that I’m leaving soccer because I’m going to play cricket and he said no ways, there is no ladies cricket here in South Africa.
“Now, he is speechless!” she added.
Shangase had to take charge of her game as she struggled at first with her bowling, but she was fortunate to have a coach that was willing to guide her every step of the way. “My coach, Dinesha, was the one who really helped me with my bowling because in 2013 when I went for the KZN trials I wasn’t bowling at all, I was only batting.
“I like both (batting and bowling). Maybe it’s because on some days one goes well and then one goes wrong and vice versa.”
With her head firmly on her shoulders, Shangase has big dreams ahead as she looks to become a trailblazer in the world of cricket and tackle other leagues.
“To become one of the best in the world. I’ve never been outside of South Africa before, this is my first one (India), I don’t really know much about other countries (and their leagues) but if it comes (an opportunity) I’ll grab it.”
WICKET!!!🏏
Debutant, Nondumiso Shangase gets her first ODI wicket in her first over spell dismissing Rodrigues for 55 runs!Big wicket for South Africa. Next batter for india is Punam.#ProteasWomen #INDvSA #WeAreMore
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) October 9, 2019
Photo 1 Caption: Right arm off break bowler, Nondumiso Shangase, showed insights into her future value when she took the big wicket of Indian teen sensation, Jemimah Rodrigues, out LBW for 55 in her debut ODI match for the Proteas Women in Baroda (Vadodora), India, on Wednesday, 9 October 2019. Photo: gsport
Photo 2 Caption: Nondumiso Shangase receiving her first ODI cricket capping from head coach, Hilton Moreeng in Baroda, India, on Wednesday, 9 October 2019. Photo: @OfficialCSA on Twitter
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