Proteas Women cricket star drives off with car for top performance

Proteas Women star cricketer, Nonkululeko Mlaba, is urging aspirant sportspeople not to be afraid to pursue their passions, saying she is testament that it would one day pay off.

The fast bowler had these words of encouragement as she drove off with her prize for being recognised as KwaZulu-Natal’s 2023 Sport Woman of the Year. 

Last month, KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture Ntuthuko Mahlaba and sponsors Joma Sport SA handed over a VW Polo to Mlaba after her achievement at the KZN Sport Awards ceremony in October, 2023. In her category, she was in the running with rugby player Mary-Lee Zulu and boxer Thandolwethu Mathiba.

The delayed handover was due to Mlaba’s international cricket duties in Australia. 

In the male category, Matthew Sates won the coveted Sportsman of the Year award. He received his car on 12 December 2023. He pipped cricketer David Miller and triathlon athlete Henri Schoeman, to the prize. 

In July, at the Cricket South Africa Awards, Mlaba won the T20 Cricketer of the Year  along with the Player’s Player of the Year Awards.

Speaking shortly after receiving the vehicle, Mlaba expressed excitement at the recognition and the prize she received for her achievements on the cricket field.

Mlaba said she started playing cricket in 2013, following in the footsteps of her older brother and sister. 

“I didn’t even understand it back then,” she said.

She had these words of encouragement for budding athletes. “If you’re a sportsperson, no matter what code it is, never underestimate it or yourself. As a woman, sometimes you’re discouraged but you have to keep going and see where it takes you. It might be your calling. It might be the manner in which you are meant to change your family’s circumstances. Playing sport has personally helped me avoid a lot of social ills,” she said. 

MEC Mahlaba said it was encouraging to see sponsors recognising talent and seeing the need to invest in talented athletes. 

“A lot of businesspeople are quite reluctant to spend. Joma partners with us on quite a number of programmes. This encourages us a lot. We wish that a lot businesses in their position can come forward as well,” he said. 

He encouraged Mlaba to remain grounded, respect people around her, her body and the sport she plays. 

“At 23, she still has a long career ahead of her. Opportunities are there for her to grab. What we can do as government is to create an enabling environment for her to thrive. We wish her nothing but the best going forward,” he concluded.