Dr JL Dube eager to challenge for national title
Pride, bragging rights, and a claim to being the best schoolgirl T20 side in the country will be on the line when the Dr John L Dube High girls take to the pitch for their Schools SA20 National Finals opening fixture against Nomandi Junior Secondary School, on Thursday, at 09:30.
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Coach Mzwandile Sibiya‘s side will undoubtedly view themselves as title contenders after their dominance of the KZN leg of the country’s most prestigious schools’ cricket tournament.
The Umlazi school began their campaign with a clean sweep in the KZN coastal qualifiers, beating Zeph Dlomo, Fredville, and Kheswa, before defeating Bonginhlanhla High by eight wickets in the regional final in January, to be crowned the KZN champions.
They might not be as fancied as some of the other sides in the competition, but there’s absolutely no doubt that the team has what it takes to go all the way in Pretoria, given their depth of talent
Sibiya’s team has the requisite quality with the bat and ball to make a deep impact in the tournament.
The side has quality bowling resources, led by Anelisa Mhlongo and Zukiswa Ntombela, who have been crucial cogs in the team’s success. They claimed two scalps apiece in the regional final to help Dr John L Dube advance to the national finals.
The impact of opening batters Enhle Mkhalipha and Amahle Ndlazi should be noted as they have led the way with the bat.
Mkhalipha, in particular, will hope to continue her form after a good run in the regionals where she top-scored with an unbeaten 41 in the final against Bonginhlanhla to guide her team to victory.
The KZN u19 player’s positive approach at the top of the order has been a huge strength of the team, and she will be aiming to continue to lead the way with the willow when she opens the batting against the Border champions on Thursday.
TEAM
Omuhle Buthelezi, Hlengiwe Dlamini, Sthembile Dlamini, Olwethu Duma, Nokwazi Khumalo, Lethokuhle Mbili, Zama Mdunge, Anelisa Mhlongo, Enhle Mkhalipha, Lusanda Mkhize, Lungile Ngcobo, Zukiswa Ntombela and Ziyanda Xulu.
