Photo Credit: Lions Cricket
The inaugural ICC U19 Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup will take place in South Africa in January 2023. The squad will be led by DP Lions Women’s player Oluhle Siyo.
Additional DP World Lions Women’s players named in the SA U19 Women’s Squad include Karabo Meso, Jenna Evans, Refilwe Moncho and non-travelling reserve Diara Ramlakan.
DP World Lions Women’s Head Coach Shaun Pretorius says that the strong presence of Lions players in the squad speaks to the determination of the Union to make the pipeline more powerful and a primary focus.
“We are exceptionally proud of these young ladies – they have worked hard and smart and deserve this tremendous accolade. A World Cup is a huge learning curve, a standard that they would have never previously been exposed to, but we have faith in their abilities, trust in their work ethic and in true Lions fashion, will support them from first to final ball.”
18-year-old Captain Oluhle Siyo, began her cricketing journey in Grade 4, later making the Gauteng Provincial U13B side, then moving to the A side in the years that followed. At 14 years of age she made the SA Fillies and received the U19 player of the year at the Eastern Province Awards. Now playing for the DP World Lions, the Johannesburg player possesses the potential for a great World Cup.
At her recent valedictory earlier in the year, Lions Cricket CEO Jono Leaf-Wright said to Oluhle Siyo;
“You have already smashed many a delivery out the grounds, bowled many a great ball and taken some awesome catches but more importantly remained Olu: Humble, caring, calm Olu. I am sure you have achieved beyond what you probably ever imagined, and I believe this is only your beginning. So, continue to pad up with passion, practice with precision, maintain professionalism and wholeheartedly believe in yourself and your ability. Never forget how much your Lions family believe in you and please always continue to DREAM BIG: The sky is the limit for you!”
Leaf-Wright said of the five girls chosen;
“A warm congratulates to all five of our players – we are 100% behind each of you as you wear your National badge with pride. Know that your Lions Pride is only ever a call away should you need us – we believe in you and cannot wait to see you thrive and achieve even greater growth and success. Onwards and upwards…”
More about the DP World Lions Women players in the squad:
Karabo Meso:
15-year-old Karabo Meso who attends Steyn City School, started off aged 8, in the Soweto Hub. At the age of 13 she joined the DP World Lions Women’s Senior team, has never looked back since her early days competing in at KFC Mini Cricket and promises a bright future ahead.
Jenna Evans:
18-year-old Jenna Evans, recently finished at Steyn City School in Johannesburg and is from Jeppe Quondam cricket club. She started club cricket at the age of 13 after making the Gauteng Lions under 13 A girls team and at 16 she was called up to the DP Lions Women’s team. At the Lions Cricket Awards, she won Best Newcomer of the Season 2021/2022 as well as Player of the 2021 Blackwidow T20 tournament – as the leading run scorer. She has flourished as captain of her cricket club, making it to the semi-finals in the Diadora Jozi T20 Cup as well as being the 2nd top run scorer of the tournament. She thoroughly looks forward to playing for her country in the inaugural u19 women’s World Cup held in SA
Refilwe Moncho:
18-year-old Refilwe Mitchelle Moncho is from Rockville, Soweto. She started off in the Soweto Cricket Club, aged 7. When she turned 10, she was selected for the U13 B team. At the age of 14 she joined the DP World Lions Women’s Senior team and has performed extremely well ever since. In 2021, at the U19 CSA Cricket Week, she was selected for SA U19 schools. One year later, she was awarded Player of the Season at the 2022 Lions Cricket awards and followed that up with the school’s Headmasters Award. She is certainly one to watch!
Should you wish to know more about the tournament, including venues and fixtures, please follow the CSA social media handles.
Name of Author: Lions Cricket
Lions Cricket aims to foster a deep passion for cricket by advancing the sport through high-quality teams, nurturing club and school cricket, and providing a premier stadium experience. The organization also seeks to use cricket to drive inclusive and sustainable economic, social, and environmental change.
