Limpopo’s Shelfa Mukhari represents SA in T20 tournament | Herald

TZANEEN – Shelfa Mukhari from the Nkowankowa Cricket Hub recently represented Limpopo as part of the South Africa girls’ u/19 squad during the Cricket Federation Women’s T20 tournament held in Nigeria.

A dream opportunity on the international stage

Although her time on the field was limited due to an injury sustained in the first match, Mukhari described the experience of representing her country abroad as a dream come true.

“It was exciting but also daunting, as it was my first long flight and my first time outside the country,” she said.

“Some of us were intimidated before the games, but we learned a great deal. I saw firsthand how high the standard of international cricket is compared to the rural cricket I usually play.”

Rising through the ranks of Limpopo cricket

Mukhari also represents the Limpopo Impala senior women’s cricket team.

She began playing cricket at the age of eight, initially without taking the sport seriously, but gradually developed a deep passion for the game.

Coach credits perseverance and determination

She credits her coach, Blessing Mabunda, for never giving up on her and other players who were initially not fully committed.

Mabunda described Mukhari as a powerful example of perseverance.

“She never allowed her background to determine how far she could go in life,” he said.

“Last year, she was involved in a serious accident that nearly ended her cricket career. She returned to training determined to relearn how to bowl, and soon after, she was selected to represent the nation.”

Tournament experience and results

During the tournament, South Africa competed against Nigeria, Rwanda, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and Zimbabwe.

The team won two matches and lost two, finishing the tournament in third place.

The host nation, Nigeria, was crowned champions, with Rwanda securing second place.