Photo Credit: Cricket Namibia
Women’s cricket is on the rise in Namibia and is one of the fastest growing sports in the world. We are currently ranked 23rd in the world and 3rd in Africa. We have a very talented National Squad which consists of 24 players and most of them do have International experience. The majority of these players are from Windhoek, Walvis Bay and Swakopmund. Our focus is on the World Cup, African Qualifiers in November 2021 to qualify for the Women’s World Cup in February 2022 in New Zealand. Preparations for this qualification are going according to plan. We are already filling our International calendar for 2021 with incoming tours against Zimbabwe, Kenya and Botswana and an outbound tour to Uganda.
The men’s team has been very successful, and the women’s team aspires to follow suit. The biggest stumbling block at the moment is that most of these players are self-dependent or dependant on parents to support them financially. Getting to practice sessions and equipment is at own cost and this can be very costly.
Cricket Namibia National Women’s Headcoach initiated the concept to involve corporate stakeholders to adopt a National player for a 12-month period to assist them financially. There will be categories that range from N$3000 to N$6000 and have various categories of support. The option of a once-off contribution is also available.
Categories of assistance
- Transport grant to practice sessions and matches.
- Meal/Food vouchers for a healthier eating program.
- Assistance with playing equipment
- Assist with study fees or study loans.
- Recovery and Rehabilitation (Physiotherapy)
It will be a very big step in the right direction if we can get partners to buy into this concept. The players will have a close relationship with the company to ensure tracking and monitoring of assistance. With the buy-in of corporates and your support for our national Women’s players, it will certainly help with their development and in fast-tracking our Women’s program.
If you would like to get involved and support this wonderful initiative, kindly contact our National Women’s coach: Francois van der Merwe at womenscoach@cricketnamibia.com
Name of Author: Cricket Namibia
Cricket Namibia is the governing body for cricket in Namibia. Headquartered in Windhoek, the capital city, it has been an ICC Associate Member since 1992 and is also a member of the African Cricket Association.
