With the Women’s T20 World Cup just around the corner, South Africa’s cricketing powerhouse, Marizanne Kapp, is not even thinking about winding down her career.
While some of her long-time teammates have retired, Kapp has doubled down on her commitment to the game she loves.
In an exclusive interview arranged by SportsBoom, I joined the conversation with Kapp to discuss her back injuries, the team’s transition period, and why retirement isn’t on her mind just yet.
The Proteas Women’s Team: A Time of Change
Every sports team goes through it: that tough transition when experienced players call it a day, leaving big shoes to fill.
For the Proteas Women, it’s been a challenging period since they reached their first-ever World Cup final last year on home soil.
With veterans like Shabnim Ismail stepping away, the team has found itself in a bit of a slump, losing six T20I series on the trot – both home and away.
Kapp doesn’t mince her words on the impact of these retirements. “The players that retired left a massive hole in the team, and it’s going to take quite a while to try and fill their boots,” she admits. “I mean, it wasn’t your everyday players that retired. It was big names, people that played very important roles, so it will definitely take time for us to be at our best again.”
But it’s not all doom and gloom. Kapp sees a silver lining in the chance for younger players to step up and make their mark.
“There’s definitely places up for grabs within the South African team, and now we just have to give some of the youngsters a chance as well,” she says, looking at the future with a bit of hope.
Kapp’s Take on Retirement? Not Happening Anytime Soon
While some might be slowing down at 34, Kapp is more fired up than ever. When asked if she’s thinking about retirement, her answer is crystal clear.
“I’ve actually been feeling really good,” she says, sounding like someone just getting started.
“Yes, I know I’m 34 years old, but I feel like I’m playing my best cricket at the moment, and I’m learning something new about myself every single game I’m stepping out on the park to play.”
She’s got no plans to hang up her boots, and why would she? “I’ve always been someone that looks after my body from a very young age.
So, even though I’m 34 on paper, I feel like I’ve got a few more years in me,” she says, showing no signs of slowing down. “As long as I’m contributing and performing, I will play for as long as possible.”
Pushing Through the Pain Barrier
If there’s one thing that could slow her down, it’s her body. Being an all-rounder isn’t just about batting and bowling; it’s about grinding through the tough days when your body’s screaming at you to stop.
Over the past few years, Kapp has had her share of those days, struggling with a nagging back injury that’s kept her out of some bowling spells. But she’s not one to dwell on it.
“Injuries are part and parcel of a cricketer’s life, especially for someone like me who bowls and bats,” she says.
“For the past three years, I’ve really been struggling with my back. We’ve tried every single angle to try and get my back better. It looks like we’ve finally reached that.”
After a successful run in The Hundred with the Oval Invincibles, Kapp feels ready to bring her A-game to the T20 World Cup. “After the Hundred tournament, my back has been so much better, and I definitely will be fine to take the new ball again at the T20 World Cup,” she shares.
For Kapp, being an all-rounder isn’t just a job – it’s who she is. “I enjoy my bowling, and I feel like as an all-rounder, you never feel complete if you don’t perform both skills. So, I will definitely be bowling at the World Cup,” she insists.
New Challenges in the UAE
The 2024 Women’s T20 World Cup, originally scheduled for Bangladesh, has been shifted to the UAE due to political unrest. It’s game on from October 3 to 23, with ten teams battling it out over 23 matches.
For Kapp and her teammates, it’s another shot at glory, another chance to prove they’ve got what it takes to be the best.
Kapp’s not just playing for herself; she’s playing for every young girl who dreams of wearing that green and gold.
As long as she’s got the fire, the skill, and the love for the game, Marizanne Kapp will be right where she belongs—on the field, giving it everything she’s got for South Africa.