Nadine de Klerk and Sinalo Jafta earn contract upgrades

Nadine de Klerk and Sinalo Jafta, who earned contract upgrades through the course of the previous season have retained their Cricket South Africa (CSA) contracts for the 2020-21 season, it was announced on Monday (March 23).  Jafta, who qualified for a national contract after featuring in the final T20I oduring South Africa's tour of India, has retained her spot despite not making the squad for the recently concluded T20 World Cup. However, her performances in the domestic circuit means she continues to be in contention for a spot.

20-year-old de Klerk, on the other hand, who played a limited - yet important - role in the T20 World Cup, has somewhat cemented her spot in the squad with several impressive performances. In the absence of Marizanne Kapp, the allrounder stepped up in the semi-final against Australia, picking up three important wickets to give South Africa a real chance of toppling the hosts.

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After their return from the World Cup earlier this month, Dane van Niekerk and her team were scheduled to host Australia in a limited overs series which was unfortunately suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic. That series aside, South Africa still have a packed schedule this year, which sees them travel to West Indies and England before the 50-over World Cup takes place early next year in New Zealand.

“We have contracted 16 men’s players and 14 women’s players which we feel is the appropriate number to maintain our national squads across the various formats,” commented CSA Acting Chief Executive, Dr Jacques Faul.

Having already secured their spot in the ODI World Cup - and experienced conditions in New Zealand, South Africa have the best opportunity to prepare for the mega event next year. Considering their recent form, they will no doubt go into that tournament with a real chance at the title.

CSA contracted players: Trisha Chetty, Nadine de Klerk, Mignon du Preez, Shabnim Ismail, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Masabata Klaas, Lizelle Lee, Sune Luus, Zintle Mali, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloe Tryon, Dane van Niekerk, Laura Wolvaardt.