Cricket Stalwart Marizanne Kapp Commits to South Africa’s T20I and ODI World Cup Campaigns
Marizanne Kapp, the seasoned South African all-rounder, has revealed that she had contemplated retirement earlier this year but was convinced to stay on by the country’s director of cricket, Enoch Nkwe. Kapp, who is currently at the peak of her powers, feels grateful that she heeded the advice and is now fully committed to representing South Africa in the upcoming T20I and ODI World Cups.
The toll of balancing franchise cricket commitments with her vital role in the rebuilding South African side, along with the fitness controversy surrounding her wife Dane van Niekerk, had become overwhelming for Kapp. However, Nkwe’s intervention prompted her to reconsider her decision, and the two have since worked together to manage Kapp’s workload.
“I did retire earlier this year – or asked to retire – and luckily I didn’t,” Kapp told ESPNcricinfo. “I spoke to the director of cricket, and he actually asked me to just hang on, think it through, [and] don’t make decisions too quickly, and I’m glad that I didn’t go through with it because I feel like I’m at the peak of my career.”
While Kapp’s ODI bowling workload will be carefully managed, she remains confident of playing a full all-round role in T20s for both her franchise sides and her country. She has committed to playing all ODIs which are part of the Women’s Championship and count towards World Cup qualification, but will miss some T20Is, including November’s series against England, due to a clash with the WBBL, where she has signed a three-year deal with the Melbourne Stars.
Kapp’s decision to sign a long-term contract with the Stars was influenced by the opportunity to work with coach Jonathan Batty and play alongside Meg Lanning, with whom she also shares a franchise experience in the WPL. The stability of a multi-year deal was also a key factor in her choice.
The seasoned all-rounder’s recent performances have been a testament to her form, with her batting average and strike rate in T20 cricket this year significantly improved compared to her career figures. Kapp credited her renewed faith and the confidence gained from her performances as crucial factors in her resurgence.
“It’s probably been my toughest couple of years; it’s not been easy,” she said. “My faith has been a massive part of it as well, having struggled with off-field matters, everything that happened with Dane, and with Covid. I spent so much time in my room reconnecting with the Lord.”
With Kapp’s commitment to South Africa secured, the team’s chances of success in the upcoming T20I and ODI World Cups have been significantly bolstered, as they look to capitalize on the all-rounder’s peak form and experience.
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