Schools SA20 Profile – Enthle Mkhalipa – Dr John L Dube School
The champion of KwaZulu-Natal, Dr John L Dube High School, is excited about an opportunity to play for the national title at the Schools SA20 National Finals in Pretoria from Thursday.
“They’re very happy. They’re looking forward to it,” coach Mzwandile Sibiya told SuperSport Schools Plus on Tuesday.
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“They’re nervous but they want to be there. Most of them, about 80 percent, play for provincial teams. Only two or three girls haven’t played for provincial teams.”
Spearheading the Umlazi school’s challenge will be their captain, Enthle Mkhalipa. Sibiya has been her coach for pretty much her entire cricket career.
“I’ve been coaching her since she was 10 years old,” he shared. “She’s an expert batter. She always does well. She’s almost always there at the end to finish the game.”
Indeed, at the KZN regional final of the Schools SA20, Mkhalipa caught the eye with her solid technique and flowing drives in her side’s eight-wicket win over Bonginhlanhla, which clinched the title of provincial champions. And she was there at the end, unbeaten on 41 as Dr John L Dube chased down their opponent’s 79/8 to win.
“She played for the KZN u19 side last year,” Sibiya said. “The year before that, she played for the u16 side. She’s represented KZN since the age of 11.”
He also lauded Mkhalipa’s captaincy, explaining: “She was the captain of her club at the age of 13! She has been a captain for many years. She always leads by example.
“She doesn’t talk that much, but she always calms the team when there is a problem. She is always encouraging the bowlers and the fielders.”
Mkhalipa has a good understanding of cricket, he added, saying she has learnt a lot in her six-plus years in the game.
She’s the player that others in the experienced Dr John L Dube side look to, to set the example and to take the game to the opposition. And, as coach Mazwandile Sibiya said, they’re not cowed by the task that lies ahead. They’re excited and eager to attack the challenge, with their captain, Enthle Mkhalipa, leading the way.
