IOL Sport - Volume 4 - Feb/March 2022

IOL

SPORT

Volume 4 February/March 2022

SPECIAL EDITION

“LET’S SHOW THEM”

InsIdeR satuRday

24 July 2021

lifestyle from mAtch-fixing to porn scAndAl

personal finance

WonderWomen2021

how you Are tAxed on your investments

olympic stars you’ve got to catch

AfricA’s queen of the breaststroke, Tuks swimmer Tatjana schoenmaker, will start her Olympic campaign tomorrow. | reg caldecott

BIKINI wars, no-sex beds and an offensive joker who had no one laughing, the week leading up to yesterday’s Olympic Games opening in Tokyo, Japan, played out like madefor-TV drama.

Already under the cosh after a yearlong delay due to the global coronavirus pandemic, Tokyo 2020 (plus 1), opened sans the usual pomp and ceremony reserved for the world’s grandest show of athletic prowess and human endurance, with only a fraction of participating athletes in an almost empty stadium.

The director of the Games opening and closing ceremonies was given the boot on Wednesday, just two days before kick-off of the grand event, over a past Holocaust joke.

Kentaro Kobayashi was lambasted by the Simon Wiesenthal Center, a US-based Jewish rights NGO, over his use of the phrase “Let’s play Holocaust” in a 1998 comedy show.

Days earlier, Keigo Oyamada, one of the composers for the Games’ opening ceremony, resigned after public criticism over his past bullying children with disabilities.

As Kobayashi battled to get his foot out of his mouth, the Norwegian women’s beach volleyball team added their spike to the fight against sexism by refusing to wear bikini bottoms during matches. They refused to come up short(s) against their male counterparts and declared that what’s good for the goose is good for the gander.

This could be seen as the first coverup in a beleaguered Games that is hedging its bets on TV and streaming coverage, albeit from empty stadiums, to beat the massive daily audience of 27.5 million global viewers, set by the 2016 Rio Olympics.

To help readers schedule viewing times to catch all the actual stadium drama, we have compiled a list of the Top 10 women to watch in Tokyo,

nelandri narianan Executive Editor Lifestyle nelandri.narianan@inl.co.za

starting with Africa’s queen of the breaststroke, Tatjana Schoenmaker.

The pressure’s on for the Tuks swimmer looking to become the first South African woman to win a medal in 21 years in an Olympic pool.

Right now, Schoenmaker holds the record as the world’s fastest woman in the 200m breaststroke, after she set a new African record, winning in 2:20.17 at the South African National Aquatic Champs in Gqeberha. A new African and South African record of 30.32 in the women's 50m breaststroke final also bears her name.

Schoenmaker’s first event is in the 100m breaststroke heat tomorrow and she will dive in for the 200m – as a medal favourite – next Wednesday.

Japanese tennis superstar Naomi Osaka, ranked Number 2 in the world, came into the public eye after the upset defeat she inflicted on the 23-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams in the 2018 US Open final. Osaka made headlines when she pulled out of the French Open in May citing mental health concerns as well as sitting out the Wimbledon this year for the same reason. It’s advantage-Osaka as she plays on home turf in Tokyo.

The US women’s soccer team is aiming to become the first women’s team ever to clinch the World Cup

All aboard – your private jet awaits - clinton moodley

and Olympic gold back-to-back after failing to do so following its World Cup wins in 1999 and 2015. Key to the team’s aspirations is winger Megan Rapinoe, one of the world’s most talented female soccer players. She won the Best Player Award in the 2019 Women’s World Cup and the Ballon d’Or (Golden Ball) in the same year. At 36, Rapinoe may be making her last appearance in the Games, so she couldn’t ask for a more glorious exit than helping her team achieve a world-first.

Tumbling in next is 24-year-old American gymnast Simone Biles, an eightyear veteran of

simOne Biles reacts after competing on the vault during the senior Women’s competition of the Us Gymnastics championships at Dickies Arena in June in fort Worth, Texas. | AfP

the world gymnastics scene, rising to prominence when she was just 16.

Claimed by many to be the greatest female gymnast of all time, Biles has had four gymnastic skills named after her. She won five gold medals in Rio and is defending the individual allaround champion's title.

Basketballer Sue Bird, 40, is a slam dunk as leader of the US women’s national basketball team, but leadership is not the only skill she brings to the court.

The four-time Olympic gold medallist also holds the Women’s National Basketball Association record for the most assists.

Bird has her sights set on becoming the first basketball player to win five consecutive golds.

Somebody give Bird her own basket for all those medals.

Jessica Springsteen, the 29-year-old daughter of rock legend Bruce Springsteen, is carving out her own impressive legacy in the sport of horse riding. The equestrian champ has been riding since age 5 and is Number 14 in the world rankings. Springsteen comes into this year's competition in top form, having just won the CSI4* Hubside Jumping Grimaud 2021, which is considered to be one of the premiere pre-Olympic international equestrian events.

Making Olympic history this year is 43-year-old weightlifter Laurel Hubbard of New Zealand. She will be the first trans-

How your unit trusts performed to the end of June - martin hesse

gender person to take part in a modern Games. Among the top-ranked lifters in the women’s +87kg category, Hubbard is seen as a favourite to win a medal, especially after her impressive performance at the 2019 Samoan Pacific Games.

While critics insist Hubbard should be barred from competing because of the perceived advantage she has over other women because she was born a man, the International Olympic Committee issued new guidelines that allow a transgender athlete to compete as a woman provided her testosterone levels are below a certain mark.

Fleet-footed Shelly-Ann FraserPryce of Jamaica comes into the Olympics in peak form, clocking the second fastest time in history – 10.63 seconds. A two-time gold medallist, Fraser-Pryce, 34, is one of three women to successfully defend her Olympic 100m title. She now hopes to live up to her moniker of “fastest woman alive” in what may be her last stab at the biggest Games in town.

Surfing will make its Olympic debut this year and seven-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore of Australia will be riding high in Tokyo. The 33-year-old hopes to bring her country’s surfing success to the Olympic stage, but she is likely to face stiff competition from the USA’s Carissa Moore, who has been Gilmore’s long-term rival. Their fierce competitive spirits will surely create a splash of epic proportions.

Rounding off the list is 24-yearold Katie Ledecky, who at 15 was the youngest member of the 2012 US Olympic swimming team - and brought home the gold. Since then she has added four more gold medals to her Olympic kitty, which means she’d have to win three more in Tokyo to tie with Jenny Thompson for the honour of being the top medallist among American women swimmers. | Additional reporting by IANS

opinion A violent history of meting out ‘justice’

Making Olympic history this year is weightlifter Laurel Hubbard, of New Zealand, the first transgender person to take part in a modern Games.

Audi Rs3 street fighter is ready - pritesh ruthun

Get the inside story on everything Lifestyle • Personal Finance • Politics • Fashion Trends • Entertainment • Property

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CONTENTS IOL Volume 4 February/March 2022

IOL

SPORT COVER STORY “Let’s Show Them” The ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup is set to get underway in New Zealand this month with the finest players in the game set to showcase their skills.

SPECIAL EDITION

“LET’S SHOW THEM”

5 | EDITOR’S NOTE

18 | PROTEAS WORLD CUP FIXTURES

We are celebrating International Women’s Month with a tribute to all sportswomen who have sacrificed so much to reach the summit of their sport.

Find out when Sune Luus and her team will be in action in New Zealand.

6 | GOLDEN GIRL South Africa’s Olympic gold medallist Tatjana Schoenmaker chats exclusively to IOL Sport.

8 | NUMERO UNO Kaizer Chiefs’ legendary goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune remains a fan favourite.

10 | STAND UP, SPEAK UP! Footballers have a duty to speak up against sexual violence against women.

12 | THE CRAFTSMAN Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena is ready to perfect his trade at Mamelodi Sundowns.

14 | PASSING ON THE BATON Injured Proteas women’s captain Dane van Niekerk is confident Sune Luus can lead the team to the Holy Grail.

16 | DRIVING TO SUCCESS Laura Wolvaardt’s shot-making is of a style that makes traditionalists swoon.

19 | THE GOAT Australian all-rounder Ellyse Perry is regarded as “the greatest player that has ever played the game in women’s cricket”.

20 | SILENT ASSASSIN Proteas seam bowler Ayabonga Khaka is ready to shine at the women’s World Cup.

22 | SHINING STARS We choose five superstars that could light up the women’s World Cup.

24 | CHANGING OF THE GUARD The Springboks have an opportunity to test some new combinations ahead of their double-header against the All Blacks this season.

26 | LATE BLOOMER Robyn Johnson is making up for lost time with the SA women’s hockey team.

Design & Production: Matthys Moss | matthys.moss@inl.co.za Acting IOL Sport Digimag Editor: Zaahier Adams | zaahier.adams@inl.co.za IOL Sport Live Editor: John Goliath | j ohn.goliath@inl.co.za Acting Executive IOL Sport Editor: Thulani Mbatha | thulani.mbatha@inl.co.za

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TELLING STORIES THAT

MATTER

ConneCting South AfriCAnS www.iol.co.za SPORT MAG VOL.4 | P4 | FEBRUARY/MARCH ‘22

Editor’s Note Raising the bat for women’s sport Due to a sheltered youth my only experience of a girl playing cricket while growing up was when my best friend’s sister joined our u-11 team way back in the mid-1990s.

She had plenty of potential – easily the best natural athlete in our side – and may have had a future in the game were there greater opportunities for women’s cricketers at the time. Instead she went on to become a national table tennis player.

With the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in New Zealand upon us this month, where the eight best teams will be competing for the Holy Grail, I am thrilled that young girls and women no longer need to seek an alternative.

The previously “Gentleman’s Game” has fully transformed and is now a viable profession for all. It’s also wildly popular and potentially lucrative with over 80 000 people filling up the MCG and a record further 53 million tuning in on their televisions to watch the last Women’s T20 World Cup final in 2020.

It excites me even more that it is our very own Proteas Women’s team that have firmly embraced this revolution and head

to #CWWC2022 as one of the favourites to lift the trophy. They may be without their injured captain Dane van Niekerk, but she will no doubt be the loudest supporter back home cheering on the likes of Sune Luus, Laura Wolvaardt, Ayabonga Khaka and the rest of the team.

Furthermore, we are celebrating International Women’s Month and this edition is not just a tribute to the Proteas and all the women’s cricketers doing duty in New Zealand, but to all the sportswomen who have sacrificed so much to reach the summit of their chosen sport.

South Africa’s Olympic golden girl Tatjana Schoenmaker gives us a sneak preview of her life outside the pool in an exclusive interview, while we also profile SA Hockey star Robyn Johnson.

The challenges women face in sport and society at large are still abundant though and we encourage men to “Stand Up, Speak Up”.

We hope you enjoy this edition as much as we did putting it together.

Enjoy!

Zaahier Adams

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GOLDEN GIRL South Africa’s Olympic gold medallist Tatjana Schoenmaker chats exclusively to IOL Sport.

Photos: AFP | African News Agency (ANA) By: Zaahier Adams

SOUTH Africa’s Olympic gold medallist Tatjana Schoenmaker has been a busy woman since her achievements in the Tokyo swimming pool last year.

The 24-year-old recently took some time out of her busy schedule to have a light-hearted chat with IOL Sport at an event hosted by one of her sponsors, Under Armour, in Cape Town.

What is the weirdest thing to happen to you since winning gold at the Olympics?

It is sometimes a bit weird when someone meets you in the shop, and says “I saw your car and followed you here” … and I’d be like where did you follow me from?

What advice would give your 19-year-old self?

Just do what you’re doing. It would just be a reminder to keep believing and having faith.

If you had a fire at your home, what would be the first thing you would grab?

We actually had this conversation as a family recently. I would definitely take photo albums. Those are memories that you can never get back. You want to show your husband and your

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SWIMMING

little kids how you looked as a baby.

What’s your favourite dessert?

Oh no … too many. I’m a sweet tooth. If I had to choose it would be a very nice moist carrot cake.

What is your one habit that you wish you could break?

Training is very early so I just leave.

I would like to make my bed in the morning.

What was your worst subject at school?

Science. I just never enjoyed it.

Who was your first celebrity crush?

Ooh … celebrity crush … let’s go with Bradley Cooper!

What colour was your matric ball dress?

It was plain black. Very simple. We had a very small school and I didn’t want to spend a lot of money on the outfit. I literally bought anything that remotely looked like a matric ball dress.

Is it Cape Town or Pretoria for you?

Cape Town! I am not even going to try and lie to you.

So, is it the Stormers or the Bulls?

The Bulls. My heart is still at Loftus although my body wants to be in Cape Town! (laughs out loud)

Above: South Africa’s Tatjana Schoenmaker (L) reacts after setting a new world record in the women’s 200m breaststroke at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Bottom right: Proudly posing after winning gold in the final of the 200m breaststroke event at the Tokyo Aquatics Centre.

Top left: Relaxing with the man in her life.

Left (centre): Tatjana at Infinity Studios, Paarden Eiland during the Under Armour event celebrating the year that was.

Bottom left: Tatjana reacts as she stands on podium before receiving her medal.

SWIMMING

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NUMERO UNO Itumeleng Khune remains a favourite with the fans despite his dwindling status as Kaizer Chiefs’ premier goalkeeper.

Photos: African News Agency (ANA) By: Mihlali Baleka The golden days when Itumeleng Khune was the man to beat for the number one jersey at Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana may have passed him, but the veteran keeper says he’s grateful there are people who believe he “still has a lot to offer”.

After being troubled with injuries in recent seasons, Khune fell in the pecking order at Chiefs. Since the start of the season, he’s played just one game – against Mamelodi Sundowns in the MTN8 quarter-final.

Since that defeat to Sundowns in the Wafa Wafa cup, Khune has found himself in the stands, with Daniel Akpeyi the preferred first-choice goalkeeper for coach Stuart Baxter in recent weeks.

But the 34-year-old who was at some point the darling of South African football, hasn’t thrown in the towel, insisting he still has a lot to offer.

“To be quite honest, it’s been difficult but I’ve got a good support structure around me,” Khune said. “There

are people from the club that still call me and encourage me not to throw in the towel.

“I’ve got my family, wife and daughters that keep putting smiles on my face at all times. I know that I am not doing it for myself anymore but for the people that still believe in the talent and that I still have a lot to offer in this beautiful game.”

Despite being overlooked at Chiefs, Khune remains the fans’ favourite.

They recently voted for him to start in the DStv Compact Cup. He turned back the clock with a string of good saves to power the Warriors to the inaugural DStv Compact Cup title.

Khune says that he is not playing to prove a point to anyone.

“There is that part (where I wanted to show I can still do it). When I realised how many goalkeepers that we have from these clubs, with myself and Bruce (Bvuma) having been selected before, that gave me hope,” the former Bafana No. 1 said.

“I needed to go out there, impress and do what I do best. (But) I am not here to prove a point to anyone that I still got it. I just want to enjoy myself and give the fans that still believe in me, and voted for me, something to smile about as well.”

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TOP: Itumeleng Khune supporters take selfies with their hero at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.

RIGHT: “I still have a lot to offer in this beautiful game,” Khune said.

SOCCER

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“SPEAK UP, STAND UP” The silence of former players in reaction to Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood’s alleged actions has been astounding.

Photos: EPA | African News Agency (ANA) By: Michael Sherman While social media is, almost, universal in its condemnation of Manchester United star Mason Greenwood following rape and assault allegations, the silence from former players is deafening.

Since the allegations against the 20-year-old Greenwood surfaced, there has been little to no criticism of his alleged actions from former players with a huge following on social media.

Though Greater Manchester Police did not name Greenwood, it released a statement saying a man had been arrested following sexual assault allegations.

“Greater Manchester Police were made aware earlier of online social media images and videos posted by a woman reporting incidents of physical violence.

“An investigation was launched and following enquiries we can confirm a man in his 20s has since been arrested on suspicion of rape and assault. He remains in custody for questioning.

Enquiries are ongoing,” said the statement.

Although Cristiano Ronaldo, David De Gea, Paul Pogba and Marcus Rashford have made the news for un-following Greenwood on social media, that is hardly worth anything with the platform these people have to support

Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood.

victims of abuse and rape. However, current players are likely prohibited from commenting on the situation and could risk their employment if they say anything.

Retired footballers though, could say something along the lines of “I support the victims of assault” which would also cover themselves in the event Greenwood is proved innocent.

Manchester United Football Club’s stance on the matter is this.

“We are aware of images and allegations circulating on social media.

“We will not make any further comment until the facts have been established. Manchester United does not condone violence of any kind.”

Let’s not split hairs here, the allegations are not just of violence, but rape. The club could say it is against sexual assault. That it did not say so, does not exactly show strong support for victims. The club statement says the bare minimum, and for that they should not be applauded.

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Sexual assault is one of the most difficult types of charges to prove, unless the evidence is substantial.

In the case against Greenwood, picture and audio evidence has been widely circulated. In theory, that should be enough for a case and possibly a conviction. But we’re talking about a successful, professional footballer at one of the world’s biggest clubs.

Greenwood is wealthy and will have access to the best legal defence possible.

A famous, ridiculously wealthy footballer has an even smaller chance of being proven guilty.

Whether his case goes to court, and a trial is held, or not – those highly influential footballers have a duty, given their huge platforms, to support victims of sexual assault and surely don’t need to be told that.

RIGHT: Women march against Gender-Based Violence under the banner of #TheTotalShutDown.

SOCCER

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THE CRAFTSMAN Teboho Mokoena is ready to perfect his trade at Mamelodi Sundowns Photos: BackpagePix By: Herman Gibbs The prodigious Teboho Mokoena was undoubtedly the marquee signing of the Premier Soccer League’s January transfer window.

The SuperSport United kingpin Mokoena, was nearing the end of his contract, and the January window presented his club with an opportunity to fill their coffers.

Belgian club Anderlecht were among the early European-based suitors before Kaizer Chiefs joined the fray. However, given their financial backing, Sundowns left Chiefs and others floundering in their slipstream.

Stan Matthews, the SuperSport United supremo, said the club was sad to lose Mokoena, but with the switch to their cross-town rivals, he has earned himself a big move to a great club.

The 25-year-old Mokoena was elated to join Sundowns where he will share the midfield space with talents like Andile Jali, Rivaldo Coetzee, Neo Maema, Themba Zwane, newcomer Bradley Ralani and his Bafana Bafana partner Mothobi Mvala.

“As a student (of the game) you always want to learn,” said Mokoena.

“I want to improve because all I hear in the environment here is that the coaches here always want you to get better.

“It is something I want, and that is what I need for my career. There is so much quality here, and they signed because they know I am quality.

“I will do extra work to perfect my craft, and then I can see the results coming. It will mean more goals, more assists. I hope to add value and will fight for my place. I am not here to play (the fool).”

Sundowns co-coach Rulani Mokwena said ‘Tebza’ Mokoena shines as a defensive linkman or an attacking midfielder.

“Tebza represents possibly the new breed of South African footballers that are being produced. His professionalism, his conduct, his personality allows us to look for greater benefits,” said Mokwena.

“It is not just from a footballing perspective, but from a human perspective as well.

“We all know how much work he does in giving back to the community.

He serves his community and across the board to help and support. From that perspective, we were happy to welcome him into the team.

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“What is very surprising is that a lot of people think that Teboho is recruited mainly from a defensive perspective, to try to improve the team on that front.

"A closer look at Teboho’s profile seems to suggest that offensively as a central midfielder, there is a greater contribution to make to the team through the quality that he possesses.”

BELOW: “As a student of the game I always want to learn,” Mokoena said.

ABOVE: Mokoena celebrates a goal with his new Sundowns teammates.

RIGHT: Sundowns coach Rulani Mokwena says Mokoena is a “new breed of South African footballer”.

SOCCER

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PASSING OVER THE BATON Injured captain Dane van Niekerk is confident Sune Luus can lead the Proteas women’s team to the Holy Grail Photos: BackpagePix By: Stuart Hess Dane van Niekerk tears up when asked what message she would have for the Proteas if she was able to talk to them directly before they departed for the Women’s one-day international World Cup in New Zealand.

“Sjoe, I’m not a cryer,” Van Niekerk says, dabbing away tears, “But when I watch the team, I do get emotional.

It’s difficult for me to watch them and not be there. I’m still struggling … I struggled when they announced the World Cup team … that was hard.

“So, I would say just enjoy it. You know, if you sit on the side, you start to realise how fortunate you are to be able to play for your country. It’s a World Cup, but it’s also another opportunity to make your family and country proud, so just have fun.”

The sadness is, of course, tangible due to the fact that Van Niekerk fractured her ankle in a “freak accident” at home just weeks before the Proteas’ date with destiny in New Zealand.

It hurts even more so because this is a Proteas team Van Niekerk built.

She took over as captain from Mignon du Preez in 2016 and very quickly demanded more of the players - not only in terms of runs, wickets and better fielding, but also self-belief. This

South African team has shed the tameness which prohibited their progress and is a more dynamic team that doesn’t just go to major tournaments hoping to give a good account of themselves.

But the responsibility of completing the journey now sits with Sune Luus, who will lead the Proteas in Van Niekerk’s absence. Luus, 26, has captained before, leading SA to home series wins against the West Indies and Pakistan and most notably victory in India over the last 12 months.

However, Luus doesn’t have Van Niekerk’s forceful personality, so will that hinder the team’s chances?

"In a sense she is a quiet kid but ’Sunetjie’ has done a great job. I don’t think they (the team) have to adapt to anything. You can see the results, they speak for themselves. As a leader she’s been stepping up really well. It’s what you want,” says Van Niekerk. “I don’t think the team needs me. I probably bring an all-round element. I don’t think leadership wise I’m the be all and end all.”

Everything seems to be falling into

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place then for the No 2-ranked Proteas with only multiple champions Australia ahead of them. There’s no doubt the Australians – who SA have never beaten in an ODI – loom as the largest threat of the eight competing nations in the Land of the Long White Cloud.

“It’s a mindset thing - I don’t want the team going into a game thinking ‘we’ve never beaten Australia.’ Because then in your mind you’re thinking ‘you’re not worthy.’”

This Proteas team won’t be thinking like that. Van Niekerk has ensured that.

ABOVE: Van Niekerk instilled a sense of self-belief in the Proteas since she took over in 2016.

BELOW RIGHT: “As a leader she’s been stepping up really well,” says Van Niekerk of Luus.

CRICKET

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DRIVING TO SUCCESS Laura Wolvaardt’s shot-making is of a style that makes traditionalists swoon.

Photos: BackpagePix | photosport.nz By: Stuart Hess If you were looking for one of those oil painting type innings from Laura Wolvaardt — the ones with the exquisite cover drives; up, over or through the inner ring — then her third OneDay International century was not for you.

Wolvaardt is one of the superstars of the women’s international game with her shot-making normally of a style that makes traditionalists swoon.

Not on this occasion. This was an innings of hard graft, fierce concentration and determination.

It was five years ago in England, then still a 17-year-old school girl, where Wolvaardt stole everyone’s hearts with that scrumptious cover drive in her first appearance at the ICC Women’s World Cup. But here the now 22-year-old had her favourite boundary option cut off by a fielder from the first over. The West Indies succeeded in cramping her room, not allowing that drive to be unleashed, and forced Wolvaardt to locate new scoring areas.

Wolvaardt’s ability to expand her game is crucial to South Africa’s chances at this month’s World Cup in New Zealand. The Proteas’ opponents would have noted the Windies’ attempt to stifle Wolvaardt’s most

potent weapon.

The fact that she still found a way – flicking balls off her legs or shifting her weight onto the back foot to manipulate the bowler’s length allowed her to pull deliveries through the leg side – is testament to different skills she has acquired. This will serve her well that she got this kind of stiff examination and succeeded.

“It definitely wasn’t the easiest innings,” Wolvaardt said. “They bowled quite well up front, I was a bit tentative outside off-stump and nearly nicked off a couple of times. It was really hot and I had to work really hard to get singles. It was a big physical effort, but I’m really happy I got to the hundred. It’s been a while since I scored a hundred for South Africa, so to get there was amazing.”

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South Africa will hope that Wolvaardt reuniting with her beloved opening partner and current ICC ODI Player of the Year Lizelle Lee, who missed the series against the Windies, will be the beginning of the road to World Cup glory.

The pair form one of the most lethal combinations in world cricket.

“Lizelle is a world-class player and I enjoy batting and opening with her,” Woldvaardt said. “I’m happy with where my game is at the moment.

We’ve been playing a lot of T20 cricket, so it’s really nice to shift my focus back to 50-over cricket.

“I’m really excited for the upcoming World Cup. It’s a massive event and things are coming right for me, so hopefully all goes well for me.”

Wolfvaardt unleashes her famous cover drive.

LEFT: The former teenage sensation has matured into one of the super stars of the women’s game.

RIGHT: “I enjoy batting and opening with her (Lizelle Lee)”.

CRICKET

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PROTEAS FIXTURES AT THE ICC WOMEN’S CRICKET WORLD CUP

5 MARCH: Bangladesh v South Africa, Dunedin 11 MARCH: Pakistan v South Africa, Mount Maunganui (d/n) 14 MARCH: South Africa v England, Mount Maunganui (d/n) 17 MARCH: New Zealand v South Africa, Hamilton (d/n) 22 MARCH: South Africa v Australia, Wellington 24 MARCH: South Africa v West Indies, Wellington 27 MARCH: India v South Africa, Christchurch (d/n) 30 MARCH: First semi-final, Wellington 31 MARCH: Second semi-final, Christchurch (d/n) 3 APRIL: Final, Christchurch (d/n)

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THE GOAT Ellyse Perry is regarded as the “greatest player that has ever played the game in women’s cricket”.

Photos: ICC By: Own Correspondent Australia have a host of superstars in their world class line-up like captain Meg Lanning, wicketkeeper/batter Alyssa Healy and bowlers Jesse Jonassen and Megan Schutt, but arguably none are more box office than Ellyse Perry.

The now 31-year-old has been a trailblazer in women’s cricket globally for over 15 years with her poster arguably being on the bedroom wall of every young girl aspiring to be an international cricketer.

Perry is the No 1 all-rounder on the ICC rankings list and will no doubt be looking to make a massive impact with both bat and ball in New Zealand.

We get to know the much-decorated champion a little bit better in a snap interview.

Where are you from and how big is your family?

I grew up in Sydney. My family is my mum, my dad, my older brother and me.

Where were you the first time you bowled?

My first memories of cricket was just learning to bowl in the living room at home one night with my dad and brother.

What were your grades like at school?

As a student at school I was pretty good. But I missed a fair bit towards the end of high school. (Perry made her international debuts in both cricket and football for Australia at 16).

Were you mischievous at school?

I think I always flirted between

CRICKET

Ellyse Perry has shone with both bat and ball for Australia.

the line of being cheeky and naughty. (laughs) What was your journey to becoming an international cricketer?

My pathway as a cricketer was awesome. I played in all the junior underage cricket for New South Wales and my local club team.

Do you remember your Australian debut?

My first match for Australia we lost.

We played against New Zealand in Darwin. I don’t remember what I did.

Didn’t score many runs, maybe took a few wickets. Wasn’t that exciting.

What does Ellyse Perry do when she is not playing cricket?

My hobbies outside of cricket would be camping, any kind of exercise. A little bit of cooking, music … anything outdoors really. * The interview was conducted by Cricket Australia Media

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SILENT ASSASSIN Proteas seam bowler Ayabonga Khaka is ready to shine at the ICC Women’s World Cup. Photos: BackpagePix | AP By: Stuart Hess Ayabonga Khaka generally plays second fiddle to the dynamic new-ball duo Marizanne Kapp and Shabnim Ismail, but on the eve of the ICC Women’s World Cup, she’s underlying her true value to the Proteas.

Khaka, who’s played 73 ODIs, may not have the pace and thunderous personality of Ismail, and the all-round force of Kapp, but she’s a gritty and skilful seam bowler.

It is these qualities that earned her the “Player of the Series” award in the recently concluded series against the West Indies, courtesy of the 10 wickets she picked up, which included a maiden five-wicket haul in the second ODI. Such has been her consistent performances over the years that even skipper Sune Luus was surprised that Khaka’s 5/23 was her first international ‘five-for’.

“I can’t believe it’s her first fivewicket haul,” said Luus. “She’s been brilliant for the Proteas throughout the years. She is someone you can count on, she’s ready to bowl when you need her and she’s a real team player.”

Coach Hilton Moreeng believes the reward Khaka is receiving is due to her after all the years of hard work behind the scenes.

“She has always been one of the unsung heroes,” Moreeng said. “She’s a true professional and she’s been working hard behind the scenes to make sure she is still improving as a cricketer.

“Where she (Khaka) is at the moment, she thoroughly deserves the Player of the Series award and we’re very proud of her. She’s come through leaps and bounds and like I said, [she is] one of the unsung heroes of our bowling attack.”

Khaka, who is ranked No 8 on the ICC ODI bowlers’ list, has moved to within four wickets of becoming just the fifth Proteas women’s bowler to claim 100 ODI scalps.

RIGHT: Ayabonga Khaka clebrates taking a wicket with her teammates at the 2017 CWWC.

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Those ahead of her – Ismail (164), Dane van Niekerk (138), Kapp (134) and Luus (108) – are all established names internationally and have earned call-ups to various T20 leagues around the world. Khaka only got her first overseas call up in the very brief Womens IPL tournament held two years ago.

It could be her quiet nature that hasn’t drawn attention from elsewhere.

This may all change if she continues to shine down under in New Zealand at the World Cup.

RIGHT: All the hard work behind the scenes is paying off for Ayabonga Khaka. Khaka will be hoping for more success in New Zealand.

CRICKET

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5 SHINING STARS AT THE WORLD CUP There are a host women ready to shine over the coming weeks. IOL Sport picks five players to keep an eye on.

Photos: ICC By: Zaahier Adams

Mithali Raj – India The leading run-scorer in the history of women’s cricket with over 7500 ODI runs, Raj has seen and done almost everything in the game. The one prize that, however, still eludes the veteran is a World Cup winners’ medal.

She has come close on two occasions having previously led India to the final in 2005 and 2017. The 2017 defeat was particularly heart-breaking as India went down by just nine runs in a thriller to hosts England at Lord’s.

At 39, this will undoubtedly be her last attempt at emulating India’s male legends Kapil Dev and MS Dhoni in bringing the World Cup home.

Sophie Ecclestone – England Despite still being only 22, Eccelstone is an international veteran

already having debuted in 2016. The left-arm spinner is ranked No 3 in the world due to her ability to tighten the noose around even the most feared of batting line-ups. Ecclestone was not part of England’s 2017 victorious World Cup-winning team on home soil and will see this tournament as her opportunity join her country’s list of World Cup winners.

Meg Lanning – Australia Lanning is arguably the most decorated women’s cricketer in the history of the game, having been part of the Australian team that lifted the title in 2013. She has also since led the Australians to three T20 World Cup triumphs, including the crowning moment at the MCG two years ago. However the attacking batter will still feel she has unfinished business despite averaging 82.00 in 2017, her team still tripped up at the semi-final hurdle to an inspired India. Still only 29, Lanning has all the energy and desire to push the Australians to another World Cup triumph.

fulcrum around which New Zealand’s batting unit has revolved around for over 15 years. She was the 2013 World Cup Player of the Tournament, but it’s the team accolades that she yearns most for. Although no longer at her fluent best, she will undoubtedly lift herself for one last tilt at winning the ultimate prize on home soil.

Javeria Khan – Pakistan Pakistan’s batting unit has traditionally been their Achilles Heel at major tournaments, which places even more pressure on their captain to hold their innings together. The veteran does have two one-day international centuries to her credit, and if Pakistan are to make any impression at the World Cup they will be hoping that their captain adds to that tally.

Suzie Bates – New Zealand This World Cup on home soil will be a swansong for the White Ferns’ greatest ever batter. Bates has been the

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RIGHT: India captain Mithali Raj is hoping it will be third time lucky at the World Cup in New Zealand.

CRICKET

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Pieter Steph du Toit should be back to face the All Blacks as a big-ball carrying flank.

CHANGING OF THE GUARD The Springboks have an opportunity to test some new combinations ahead of their double-header against the All Blacks this season.

Photos: African News Agency (ANA) | EPA By: Ashfak Mohamed The All Blacks will finally be back in South Africa this year with backto-back fixtures scheduled against the world champion Springboks.

But before Siya Kolisi & Co run out at Mbombela Stadium on 6 August to face the haka, there are plenty of questions that Bok coach Jacques Nienaber needs to answer.

The first contentious situation is at fullback. Willie le Roux is the incumbent, but for how much longer can the likes of Aphelele Fassi, Warrick Gelant and Damian Willemse be ignored at No 15?

Le Roux is playing in Japan at the moment while Fassi, Gelant and Wil-

lemse are fighting it out in the United Rugby Championship.

On current form Gelant probably has the edge, but Willemse has the inside lane with the Bok management after starting against Wales late last year.

Fassi has spent a lot of time in the national set-up, but has had limited game time although he has shown impressive touches for the Sharks in the United Rugby Championship.

The three-Test series against Wales in July will hopefully see Nienaber employ a new fullback, as he knows what he has in Le Roux.

The next major issue is at flyhalf.

Handre Pollard and Elton Jantjies are the established pivots, but both have had injury problems in recent seasons. With Morne Steyn retired, who is the next No 10? Lions youngster Jordan Hendrikse is also injured, but is expected to return in a few weeks.

Bulls star Johan Goosen is unfor-

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tunately out until about September, while none of the other United Rugby Championship flyhalves have really put up their hands.

There is a similar issue in midfield.

Damian de Allende and Lukhanyo Am are the first-choice centre pair, but should Frans Steyn continue as a No 12 back-up? What about Willemse’s claims at inside centre?

Can Andre Esterhuizen’s incredible form for Harlequins still be ignored?

And then Jesse Kriel is also operating in Japan …

Pieter-Steph du Toit is finally back on the pitch in Japan after missing most of last year’s Test season, but his absence highlighted a need for the Boks to identify a similar big ball-carrying No 7 flank.

While Kwagga Smith did a reasonable job in Du Toit’s absence, Nienaber should consider having a look at young guns such as Bulls star Elrigh Louw and Stormers No 8 Evan Roos.

Warrick Gelant and Aphelele Fassie will challenge Bok incumbent Willie le Roux for the No 15 jersey.

RUGBY

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HOCKEY

FAR LEFT: Robyn Johnson celebrates a goal with South African teammate Lilian du Plessis in Stellenbosch.

LEFT: Johnson’s dream of representing South Africa was only realised after moving to Southern Gauteng.

LATE BLOOMER Robyn Johnson still has to pinch herself that she is playing for the South African women’s hockey team at major tournaments.

Photos: BackpagePix By: Matshelane Mamabolo Robyn Johnson is in for the kind of year dreams are made of. But hers is going to be the kind even she wouldn’t have imagined despite her ambitious character.

Fresh from realising the ultimate wish of playing at the Olympics, the South African national hockey team player is set to participate in a continental tournament, a major international event as well as two World Cups in 2022.

“Of course I dreamt of all these but it is incredible that I am going to experience most of it in a single year,” Johnson said.

South Africa have won all eight continental tournaments, including this year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana, with Johnson having made her debut

in Stellenbosch two years ago. The victory booked their ticket to the World Cup in Spain and the Netherlands in early July. As Africa’s best, they should also participate at the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham from 28 July to 8 August.

That all these things are happening to someone who was beginning to think representing SA was not meant for her as the call-up just didn’t happen despite her doing well at provincial level, is testament to the fact that one should never give up on their goals.

“I only got my first call-up to the national team in 2018, a little belatedly because I’d been playing for a while and did well playing for Western Province as a teenager and later I played for Southern Gauteng and thought I’d make the national team back then. But better late than never, right,” Johnson chuckled.

Last year she realised a long-held dream when she went to the Tokyo Olympics.

“Aaah, the Olympics! What can I say? It was because of the Olympics that I really took playing hockey seri-

HOCKEY

ously. Back in 2008 I saw the Beijing Olympics and watched a lot of hockey matches. I was already playing the game then after my cousin had given me a stick and just watching those matches, I knew there and then that I’d one day love to play at the Olympics. And it has now happened, even though sometimes I have to pinch myself because it is unbelievable that I am an Olympian.

“I made my family proud because I am the first Olympian in the Johnson family,” explained the daughter of soccer coach Cavin Johnson, who has worked at clubs such as SuperSport United, Platinum Stars and AmaZulu as well as having been assistant at Al Ahly and developed many stars at the School of Excellence.

Johnson – the hockey player – is though now an African champion and Olympian and set to be a double World Cup player, showing that dreams do come true.

SPORT MAG VOL.4 | P27 | FEBRUARY/MARCH ‘22

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