Proteas Women T20 World Cup 2024 in Dubai – A Memorable Experience. As the Proteas Women prepare for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 in Dubai, they have not only been hard at work on the cricket field but have also experienced some unforgettable cultural and adventurous moments in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This unique blend of training, team bonding, and a touch of home has set the stage for their World Cup journey, fostering unity and excitement.
A Taste of South Africa in Dubai
On Sunday, ahead of their World Cup campaign, the Proteas Women were treated to a special lunch at Hyperama, a South African restaurant in Dubai, popular among South African expatriates. The event was hosted by Andrew Tsepo Lebona, the South African Consul General in the UAE, who emphasized the importance of giving the team a “home away from home” experience. The gathering allowed the players to enjoy traditional South African dishes like chakalaka and pap, which brought back fond memories of home.
Consul General Lebona highlighted the significance of the event, stating, “It’s so wonderful to see South Africans in a South African place in Dubai. It’s a home away from home where they can enjoy a bit of chakalaka, pap, and the ambiance of South Africa, Mzansi.” His words resonated with the team, offering them not just nourishment but a sense of comfort as they prepare for the intense competition ahead.
Proteas Women captain Laura Wolvaardt expressed her gratitude for the experience: “We enjoyed a truly special South African-inspired feast at the restaurant! It was amazing and felt like home. It is always heartwarming to have home-cooked meals while on tour, something that we really miss. It was awesome!” Wolvaardt’s words underscored the emotional connection the players felt to their homeland, even as they trained thousands of kilometers away.
South African Community Support in Dubai
Wolvaardt also spoke about the strong South African presence in Dubai, expressing excitement about the possibility of seeing familiar faces in the crowd during their World Cup matches. “Clearly there’s a lot of South Africans over here. It would be absolutely awesome to have some loud home support in the crowd. I’m keen to get going and excited to see some South African flags in the stands,” she said.
With over 140,000 South Africans living in Dubai, the Proteas Women can count on a significant support base. This sense of community adds an extra layer of motivation for the team as they head into one of the biggest tournaments of their careers.
An Exhilarating Desert Adventure in Dubai
The following day, the Proteas Women embarked on an exhilarating desert experience in Dubai, providing the team with an opportunity to bond in an entirely different setting. The adventure began with thrilling rides on dune buggies and quad bikes, followed by heart-pounding 4×4 dune bashing through the vast Dubai desert. The adrenaline-pumping activities were not just fun but also an essential part of team-building, allowing the players to unwind and create lasting memories together.
Proteas Women left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba was particularly enthusiastic about the day: “The desert experience was amazing! I’m usually a speed lover, so riding the quad bikes and dune buggies was my favorite part. I felt like I was flying! We even did some 4×4 dune bashing, which was just wild. I was sweating from all the fun, and everyone had a blast.”
After their adventure, the team enjoyed a VIP dinner at the Noble Campsite, where they relaxed under the stars, soaking in traditional dance performances and fire shows. The evening was a perfect way to wind down from the day’s excitement and reflect on the incredible journey they are about to embark upon.
Support from South African Leadership
Consul General Lebona continued to offer his support and encouragement to the team, stating, “To Laura and the team, you’re going to rock! You’ve beaten the best in the world, your tour in Australia was amazing, you’ve been to Pakistan, and you’ve won there. We’re a team of winners. There are 140,000 South Africans in Dubai, and we’re all behind the Proteas Women. Viva Proteas Women, viva!”
This message of support further fueled the team’s determination as they prepare to face some of the world’s best cricket teams in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Knowing they have the backing of their compatriots, both in Dubai and back home, has undoubtedly provided the Proteas Women with a boost of confidence.
The Road to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024
The Proteas Women’s first match in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup will take place on Friday, 4 October 2024, against the West Indies at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. This match will be the starting point of a grueling competition where the team will face some of the toughest opponents in women’s cricket.
Captain Laura Wolvaardt has been keen to encourage South African fans living in Dubai to attend the matches and show their support. “I would like to encourage you to come and check out our games at the World Cup if you are a South African living in Dubai. Your support would mean the world to us, and we hope to see plenty of South African flags waving in the stands,” she said.
Proteas Women Squad for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 (United Arab Emirates)
The Proteas Women squad for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 is filled with talented and experienced players, ready to take on the world’s best. The squad includes:
- Laura Wolvaardt (Captain)
- Anneke Bosch
- Tazmin Brits
- Nadine de Klerk
- Annerie Dercksen
- Mieke de Ridder
- Ayanda Hlubi
- Sinalo Jafta
- Marizanne Kapp
- Ayabonga Khaka
- Suné Luus
- Nonkululeko Mlaba
- Seshnie Naidu
- Tumi Sekhukhune
- Chloé Tryon
Traveling Reserve:
- Miané Smit
South Africa’s Fixtures for ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 (03 – 20 October)
The Proteas Women will be participating in several key matches during the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup. Their fixtures include:
- 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)
Preparing for Glory
The Proteas Women’s journey to the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 has been one of resilience, determination, and unity. Their recent experiences in Dubai, from enjoying a taste of home at Hyperama to embarking on a thrilling desert adventure, have only strengthened the bond between the players. These moments have allowed them to reflect on their journey so far, recharge emotionally, and build anticipation for the competition ahead.
Why Support Matters for the Proteas Women
Support from the South African community in Dubai will be crucial as the Proteas Women begin their World Cup journey. The presence of familiar faces and the sound of cheering fans waving South African flags can give the team a much-needed morale boost. With 140,000 South Africans living in Dubai, the team has a unique opportunity to feel at home even while competing on foreign soil.
As Laura Wolvaardt mentioned, having a loud home crowd would be “absolutely awesome.” The team thrives on the energy of their supporters, and the presence of South African fans in the stands could make all the difference as they face tough opponents like England, Bangladesh, and the West Indies.
A Bright Future for South African Women’s Cricket
The Proteas Women have consistently proven themselves to be a force in women’s cricket, and their participation in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024 is a testament to their hard work and dedication. With a squad full of talented players and the backing of their fans, both in Dubai and back home in South Africa, the team is poised to make a strong showing in the tournament.
Their recent successes in tours to Australia and Pakistan have shown that they have what it takes to compete with the best in the world. Now, with the support of the South African community in Dubai, the Proteas Women are ready to take on the challenge of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup and bring pride to their country.
Conclusion
The Proteas Women have embarked on a remarkable journey in Dubai, filled with cultural experiences, team bonding, and a taste of home. Their participation in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup
