Steyn City taking things one ball at a time
Diara Ramlakan, the Steyn City captain, was in an unforgiving mood. She smashed 24 boundaries on her way to the first century of the inaugural edition of the Schools SA20 competition.
Ramlakan’s 60-ball 118 also helped Steyn City gallop to the first 200-run plus total of the tournament.
Dominique Ferguson backed up that effort with a brilliant four-wicket haul as Steyn City restricted South Hub to 75/7 in 13.3 overs, which left Steyn City the winners by a massive 144-run margin.
It was a big win, one that got social media buzzing. The team basked in the glory of the accomplishment. They had earned it. However, they quickly put that encounter behind them when they went up against Northcliff High School.
“We believe that the key is to try to remain calm, taking things one ball at a time. We also emphasise getting the basics right… If we can do that, we should come out on top,” Rachel Langley, the Steyn City head coach, said.
That approach is particularly important for Langley’s charges who have heard their name being punted as one of the favourites to lift the title in the girls’ section.
“The team is very excited but also a little nervous,” Langley revealed. “There is some pressure. A few noted commentators said that SCS (Steyn City School) is the favourite to win the competition. We are confident that we can go all the way.
Foremost on the minds of Langley and her players is that they need to stick to their gameplans, play their best game, and don’t take their opposition for granted. Fortunately, the coach has a trio of experienced players to ensure matters are composed in the dressing room and on the field.
South Africa u19 stars Diara Ramlakan and Karabo Meso are members of the team and both recently returned from playing in the u19 World Cup. They also have Jenna-Lee Lubbe, who was a non-travelling reserve for the SA u19 Squad.
“Having these players in the team adds great value. Obviously, each player adds value and skill in their own way, but what an SA u19 player can add is through their experience – the ability to stay calm under pressure, to talk the team through tough moments, and the ability to think ahead of the game and play three steps ahead,” Langley shared.
The talented trio will also lead the way with the bat, but that doesn’t mean that they are the only players who can win matches for their side. Ferguson, Samia Essop, Sivaakani Naidoo, and Tyla-Jade Harpur have been sensational with the ball for Steyn City. According to Langley, each bowler has come to the party in one game or another.
She always reminds her charges to enjoy themselves before each match. And while the goal is to lift the national title of the inaugural Schools SA20 competition, the Steyn City coach will repeat that message before their encounter against Victoria High on Thursday afternoon and every match thereafter.
“The main message we tell our students, and one thing that we truly believe is important, is to have fun,” Langley said.
