Emotional Sinalo Jafta reveals Makhaya Ntini influence on her career

By Benjamin Leshoro
17th July 2026

Proteas Women wicket-keeper Sinalo Jafta says Makhaya Ntini has had the biggest impact on her career, more than any other cricketer, and was the reason she played the game in the first place.

Jafta was named this year’s recipient of the Makhaya Ntini Power of Cricket Award at the annual CSA Awards ceremony held at the Sandton Convention Centre last night.

She says Ntini proved that anything can be achieved no matter where you come from, and that’s what inspired her.

"He is someone that would always push me beyond my limits and will always urge me to get out of my comfort zone. I only started playing the sport because of him after seeing him on SABC 3 during the December holidays when I was in Grade 3."

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Jafta shared her personal journey and struggles with alcoholism to get to where she is now. She revealed that former Proteas Women coach Hilton Mooreng played a pivotal role in turning her life around and admitting that she has a problem.

Jafta says she’s now four years sober, which has been a big achievement in both her personal and professional life.

"Growing up, there wasn't a lot of financial education. I saw the lifestyle and I wanted to be popular and relevant because I thought that was success, so I then fell into the trap of alcohol addiction. It got to the point where it stopped being fun and I used it as a coping mechanism.

"Back then, I wasn't working half as hard as what I'm working now. It brought me to my knees but for you to stand up you have to begin from your rock bottom."

The 31-year-old says the award has lit up a new fire in her, and is a good encouragement to keep going. She added that like sobriety, cricket can only be taken one day at a time, and that’s exactly what she’s going to do.