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Former Proteas Women batter Claire Terblanche says Cricket South Africa deserves full credit for the growth of the women’s game in the country, and for making sure that women cricketers are fully professionalised.
Terblanche made her debut for the senior national team back in 2003 and played up until 2009, and did not have the privilege of being contracted, as that was only introduced in 2013.
She expressed how that pivotal moment in the sport was so key in taking it to a higher level, even though her playing days were well over.
"It was such a proud moment to see the progression of the women's game, and then domestically, Hollywoodbets has helped to develop the local game.
"There are many examples in recent history that just prove how much CSA has invested in women's cricket."
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The Western Province Women’s team head coach has been appointed as coach Mandla Mashimyi’s assistant for the upcoming ICC World Cup in India, having also travelled with the team to Pakistan for a three-match ODI series.
She was impressed with how they have improved in the last two decades since she was a player.
"From when I played my first World Cup in 2005, the level of cricket today has increased so much.
"The skill and talent of this team is special, and it's going to be exciting to see what this team will produce at the upcoming World Cup."
She says the current crop of players are younger than they were as a squad in those days, but they have a lot of experience at international level.
Terblanche, who played 21 One Day Internationals for South Africa in her heyday, says there’s no better time than now to turn the near misses of the past into a World Cup triumph.
