PASSING ON THE BATON

Injured captain Dane van Niekerk is confident Sune Luus can lead the Proteas women’s team to the Holy Grail

Dane van Niekerk tears up when asked what message she would have for the Proteas if she was able to talk to them directly before they departed for the Women’s one-day international World Cup in New Zealand.

“Sjoe, I’m not a cryer,” Van Niekerk says, dabbing away tears, “But when I watch the team, I do get emotional. It’s difficult for me to watch them and not be there. I’m still struggling … I struggled when they announced the World Cup team … that was hard.

“So, I would say just enjoy it. You know, if you sit on the side, you start to realise how fortunate you are to be able to play for your country. It’s a World Cup, but it’s also another opportunity to make your family and country proud, so just have fun.”

The sadness is, of course, tangible due to the fact that Van Niekerk fractured her ankle in a “freak accident” at home just weeks before the Proteas’ date with destiny in New Zealand.

It hurts even more so because this is a Proteas team Van Niekerk built. She took over as captain from Mignon du Preez in 2016 and very quickly demanded more of the players - not only in terms of runs, wickets and better fielding, but also self-belief. This South African team has shed the tameness which prohibited their progress and is a more dynamic team that doesn’t just go to major tournaments hoping to give a good account of themselves.

But the responsibility of completing the journey now sits with Sune Luus, who will lead the Proteas in Van Niekerk’s absence. Luus, 26, has captained before, leading SA to home series wins against the West Indies and Pakistan and most notably victory in India over the last 12 months.

However, Luus doesn’t have Van Niekerk’s forceful personality, so will that hinder the team’s chances? "In a sense she is a quiet kid but ’Sunetjie’ has done a great job. I don’t think they (the team) have to adapt to anything. You can see the results, they speak for themselves. As a leader she’s been stepping up really well. It’s what you want,” says Van Niekerk. “I don’t think the team needs me. I probably bring an all-round element. I don’t think leadership wise I’m the be all and end all.”

Everything seems to be falling into place then for the No 2-ranked Proteas with only multiple champions Australia ahead of them. There’s no doubt the Australians – who SA have never beaten in an ODI – loom as the largest threat of the eight competing nations in the Land of the Long White Cloud.

“It’s a mindset thing - I don’t want the team going into a game thinking ‘we’ve never beaten Australia.’ Because then in your mind you’re thinking ‘you’re not worthy.’”

This Proteas team won’t be thinking like that. Van Niekerk has ensured that.

Photos: BackpagePix By: Stuart Hess

ABOVE: Van Niekerk instilled a sense of self-belief in the Proteas since she took over in 2016.

“As a leader she’s been stepping up really well,” says Van Niekerk of Luus.