Ayanda Hlubi relishing return to Proteas Women ahead of World Cup

Hlubi was one of three returnees, along with Marizanne Kapp and Tumi Sekhukhune, for the ODI and T20 series, after she missed the recent Sri-Lankan tour. 

Speaking exclusively to SABC Sport, she could not hide her excitement. 

“I’m very happy to be back in the team. It really means a lot to me. I’ve been preparing to come back, so now that I’m back I’m very happy," said Hlubi. 

"The coach did speak to me when I was left out of the Sri-Lanka tour, and he told me that he will send me to a fitness camp. I had to miss out on the tour, not because of skill but because I was getting injured all the time. So I was there for five weeks."

At just 20-years-old, she is one of the youngest members of the team, with only Miane Smit and 17-year-old Karabo Meso her juniors, and she is eager to learn from her senior teammates.

“As one youngest players in the team, I think I learn so much from the experienced teammates. I learn how to behave in this big environment, and skill-wise they teach me variations. When I’m struggling they’re always there to give support and help," she added.

Coach Mandla Mashimbyi has made it clear that he’s still testing different combinations ahead of the global showpiece schedule for India in September and October, and Hlubi is aware of the stiff competition she faces in trying to impress the selection panel.

“They say only control the controllables, so the selection part I will leave to its own people. I will only focus on playing and enjoying the game. 

"If I’m in the squad it would be a dream come true. If not, that’s fine, I’m still part of the team," concluded the youngster. 

South Africa travel to the Caribbean on Monday and play the first ODI on June 11, with the second and third ones on 14 and 17 June respectively, before they then play three T20s from 20-23 June.

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