South Africa Announces Proteas Women’s Contracted Squad for 2025/26 Season
Cricket South Africa (CSA) has officially confirmed the Proteas Women’s contracted squad for the 2025/26 season, with all-rounder Annerie Dercksen receiving her first national contract. Dercksen, who was named the ICC Emerging Women’s Player of the Year in 2024, replaces Lara Goodall and Delmi Tucker in the 15-player roster.
Recognition for Annerie Dercksen
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CSA Executive for National Teams and High Performance, Enoch Nkwe, praised Dercksen’s growth and impact, highlighting her well-earned place in the squad.
“It’s a significant achievement for Annerie Dercksen, whose performances have been outstanding. She has solidified her place in the team and has rightfully earned her first national contract,” Nkwe stated.
Proteas Women’s Contracted Squad for 2025/26
The squad for the upcoming season includes a mix of experienced players and rising stars:
Anneke Bosch
Tazmin Brits
Nadine de Klerk
Annerie Dercksen
Ayanda Hlubi
Sinalo Jafta
Marizanne Kapp
Ayabonga Khaka
Masabata Klaas
Suné Luus
Eliz-Mari Marx
Nonkululeko Mlaba
Tumi Sekhukhune
Chloé Tryon
Laura Wolvaardt (Captain)
The team will be led by captain Laura Wolvaardt and head coach Mandla Mashimbyi as they prepare for a crucial international season. Their main focus will be on the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025, scheduled to take place in India later this year.
Key Performers and Expectations
Laura Wolvaardt, currently the No.1 ranked batter in Women’s ODI cricket, had an exceptional 2024 season. She accumulated 697 runs in 12 innings across formats, maintaining an impressive average of 87.12. Her performances earned her a nomination for the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2024.
At the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, Wolvaardt was the tournament’s leading run-scorer with 232 runs, closely followed by teammate Tazmin Brits, who scored 187 runs. Their strong opening partnership was instrumental in the team’s success.
On the bowling front, Nonkululeko Mlaba, a left-arm spinner, was a standout performer. She claimed 12 wickets during the tournament, playing a crucial role in the team’s journey to the final.
Preparations for the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025
Nkwe emphasized South Africa’s ambitions for the upcoming World Cup in India, underscoring the squad’s potential and balance.
“We take great pride in unveiling the Proteas Women’s contracted squad for the 2025/26 season. This team reflects the depth, talent, and bright future of women’s cricket in South Africa,” he said.
“With a major tournament ahead, we believe this squad brings the right combination of experience and youthful energy. They are prepared to compete at the highest level and make the nation proud.”
Recent Tournament Performances
The Proteas Women have been strong contenders on the global stage in recent tournaments. They finished runners-up in the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2024, held in the UAE, falling short in the final against New Zealand.
Similarly, the South African U19 Women’s team reached the final of the ICC Women’s U19 World Cup in Malaysia but was ultimately defeated by India.
With the new squad finalized, South Africa now shifts its focus to the Women’s ODI World Cup 2025, aiming to continue its rise in international women’s cricket.