Mthembu guides Tuks women's cricket team to a "historic" win

Tuks cricket captain, Snamile Mthembu, has taken many catching opportunities, but there is one catch that she will never forget.

It is one she took in the Northerners' T20 women's final played between Tuks and Irene Villagers.

"It is always a good feeling when you take that excellent catch, knowing that you have ended the innings of your opponent's top batsman. It took a lot of pressure off us as a team. As I got the ball under control, the team came together excitedly. It is such moments that make me love playing cricket."

Tuks did end up winning, but it was a humdinger. Due to rain, the game was shortened to 14 overs per team. Irene Villagers, who batted first, were restricted in their innings to 83 runs. Tuks only got to score the winning runs of the last ball. In doing so, they made history. It is the first time the Tuks women's team has triumphed in a major tournament. Last year, they lost in the T20 final to Irene Villagers and were second in the 35-overs Tournament.

After receiving the Tuks Female Cricketer of the Year award last year, she promised she and her teammates would improve this season.

"To lose out twice last year in the Northern leagues was not a good feeling. So, I told my teammates that when you lose as a team, it is essential to get up as a team. We did, and I am so proud of the team."

According to Mthembu, Danelle Oberholzer was Tuks's top batsman, while Tiani van den Heuvel was outstanding as a bowler.

As to her role, Mthembu said it is an honour to be captain.

"My best trait as captain is bringing positivity to the team. I am a very loud captain. When one of the bowlers is struggling, I will encourage them to get them to believe in their abilities again. The team must know that we always have each other's backs.

"As a batsman, I see my role as a stabiliser. When we lose wickets quickly, I will keep my end up and ensure we rotate the strike to build a partnership. As a bowler, I got the knack of getting wickets when it matters."

Funnily enough, the first time Mthembu watched cricket, she was not impressed by what was happening. To her, it was boring. But everything changed when she started playing cricket in Grade 8 at the Jeppe High School for Girls.

"I immediately fell in love with the game. I love the teamwork and the energy that comes with playing cricket. It is an individual sport, but you can only succeed with the help of your teammates."

When not playing or studying, Mthembu is coaching at Rivonia Primary School, and she loves it.

"When coaching, I keep encouraging the girls to enjoy playing. I also constantly remind them that cricket is about playing for a team. Everything you do, should be to get the team to be better. If you do so, you will succeed in the game."