As the Proteas Women gear up for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE),
Tumi Sekhukhune finds herself at a defining moment in her career. After battling through injuries and missing the
2023 home World Cup, the seasoned seam bowler is ready to prove her worth and represent her community of
Daveyton, Johannesburg, with pride.
Overcoming Setbacks
For Sekhukhune, missing last year’s T20 World Cup was a significant setback. "It wasn';t a nice experience for me,
especially because it was at home. Playing on a global stage in front of my family would have been very special,” she
shares. However, this disappointment spurred her to work even harder.
"I had to sharpen my skills and reflect on what I could offer to the team"; she says. The aftermath of her recurring
groin injury in 2022 and her exclusion from the World Cup squad led to both mental and physical challenges. "I had a
mental breakdown. Sometimes you feel like you're not enough, or that your skills aren’t enough."
Motivated by her teammates and provincial coaches, including former DP World Lions coach and new Proteas Women
fielding lead Bongani ‘Coach Fantastic’ Ndaba, Sekhukhune found a way forward. "I had coaches who helped me
improve in specific areas, and taking small steps helped me stay motivated" she adds.
Despite the challenges of regaining fitness, she maintained her focus. "Some days, I didn’t feel like doing anything, but
I told myself to take it one day at a time."
Pride in Representing Daveyton
Daveyton, her hometown, has always played a significant role in Sekhukhune’s journey. "Growing up in Daveyton
shaped the person I am today"; she reflects. A multi-talented athlete who participated in handball, volleyball, and
netball in her youth, Sekhukhune’s transition to cricket allowed her to showcase her skills on an international stage
when she made her debut in September 2018.
Representing her community in the World Cup fills her with pride. "It's special to see people from Daveyton
supporting me, posting messages on social media, and knowing they're 100% behind me. That connection really
means a lot to me."
Preparing for the World Cup
Securing her spot in the 2024 T20 World Cup squad is a milestone for Sekhukhune. "One of my main goals was to get
selected for the World Cup. Now that I have, my focus is on staying consistent, ensuring I’m prepared, and being ready
to seize opportunities when they come."
Sekhukhune has also tailored her training to adapt to the challenging conditions in the UAE. "I spent more time in the
sun, trying to get used to the conditions. Our tour of Pakistan before heading to the UAE helped me adjust to the
heat."; As a senior player, she knows her role goes beyond just bowling. "It’s important for me to contribute as much
off the field as on it. My bowling style suits these conditions, and with the team’s success last year, there’s pressure,
but I’m ready for it."
Personal Growth and Reflection
The past few years have provided Sekhukhune with opportunities for personal growth. "I had to unlearn certain habits
and adopt new ones. It wasn’t easy, but it helped me improve both as a cricketer and as a person. " Her time away
from the game allowed her to reconnect with family and friends. "I spent more time with family, friends, and my dog,
which helped me stay grounded." She also pursued her studies during recovery. "My injury gave me time to focus on finishing my degree in Supply Chain Management in Logistics, and my family motivated me to continue my education."
Advice to Future Proteas
Sekhukhune has learned the value of patience and discipline in overcoming setbacks. "Sports come with challenges
and injuries, but it’s important to stay grounded. Do your gym work, train hard, and fuel your body with the right
nutrients. When setbacks come, be disciplined and trust the process."
For young girls dreaming of playing for the Proteas, her message is clear: "Cricket is a rewarding game, filled with ups
and downs. Keep working on your craft, stay patient, and even if you fall down, you’ll rise again. Believe in yourself,
and know that you are going places."
Ready to Shine Again
Sekhukhune’s journey back to fitness and form is a testament to her strength and determination. As she prepares for
the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, she stands as a proud representative of her community, ready to make her
mark once again. With the support of Daveyton and the lessons she’s learned along the way, Tumi Sekhukhune is
poised to rise, carrying the heart of South Africa with her on the global stage.
Proteas Women Squad - ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 (United Arab Emirates):
Laura Wolvaardt (Captain) (Fidelity Titans), Anneke Bosch (Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Nadine de
Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Mieke de
Ridder (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Ayanda Hlubi (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions),
Marizanne Kapp (World Sports Betting Western Province), Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions), Suné Luus (Fidelity
Titans), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Seshnie Naidu (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Tumi Sekhukhune
(DP World Lions), Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions)
Traveling Reserve
Miané Smit* (Recon Tactical Free State)
* Uncapped
South Africa’s Fixtures - ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 (03 - 20 October)
Sunday, 29 September @ 16h00 SAST: 1st Warm-up T20I: South Africa vs New Zealand (ICC Academy, Dubai)
Tuesday, 01 October @ 16h00 SAST: 2nd Warm-up T20I: South Africa vs India (ICC Academy, Dubai)
Friday, 04 October @ 12h00 SAST: 1st Match: South Africa vs West Indies (Dubai International Cricket Stadium,
Dubai)
Monday, 07 October @ 16h00 SAST: 2nd Match: England vs South Africa (Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah)
Wednesday, 09 October @ 12h00 SAST: 3rd Match: South Africa vs Scotland (Dubai International Cricket Stadium,
Dubai)
Saturday, 12 October @ 16h00 SAST: 4th Match: Bangladesh vs South Africa (Dubai International Cricket Stadium,
Dubai)
Thursday, 17 October @ 16h00 SAST: Semi-final 1 (Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai)
Friday, 18 October @ 16h00 SAST: Semi-final 2 (Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah)
Sunday, 20 October @ 16h00 SAST: Final (Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai)
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