Tebogo Macheke may not have gotten her first official international cap for the Proteas on Friday, but hope is not yet lost, as there are still four more games to go in the five-match T20 series against India, which started on Friday.
The 25-year-old Titans wicketkeeper and batter is the only uncapped player in the Proteas T20 squad. She earned herself the call-up after Sinalo Jafta’s deputy keeper, Karabo Meso, was ruled out with a wrist injury.
Taking us through her telephonic conversation with convenor of selectors Clinton du Preez, Macheke said she was emotional over the phone, as she realised that her dream was
finally coming true.
“I didn’t believe it, honestly. I was shocked, and I was crying on the phone. The convenor of selectors said I could cry. It was amazing and unbelievable. This selection means a lot.
“As a young cricketer, you
always want to represent your country. From a young age, I wanted it so bad.
“I have looked up to so many of these players. I think I’ve grown mentally and learnt to be strong. I believe I wasn’t strong enough [previously].
“So, I’ve been working on myself and on the game, obviously … working on my keeping and the batting as well. I feel I’ve put the time in, and I guess it’s now paid off.”
Reflecting on her first days and training session at camp, Macheke said even though it was tough, she enjoyed being challenged and pushed beyond her limit.
“My first training session was good. I thought it would take some time to adjust, but I think I fitted in quickly. There was lots of hard work, it was tough, but I enjoyed it. It’s good to be pushed … I think we needed that.
“I’ll take it as it comes. I just want to do the basics right, and not think too much; just focus on the cricket and do what I know and what I do best,” she added.
The Proteas will take on India in the second T20 match this afternoon at the Kingsmead Stadium in Durban. The game will get underway at 2pm.
- Tebogo Macheke did not earn her first official international cap for the Proteas in the opening T20 game against India on Friday.
- The T20 series between South Africa and India consists of five matches.
- There are still four matches remaining in the series, providing Macheke further opportunities.
- Hope remains for Macheke to make her debut in the upcoming games.
- The full story is available in the e-edition of Sunday World.
Tebogo Macheke may not have gotten her first official international cap for the Proteas on Friday, but hope is not yet lost, as there are still four more games to go in the five-match T20 series against
finally coming true.
“I didn’t believe it, honestly. I was shocked, and I was crying on the phone.
“As a young cricketer, you
always want to represent your country. From a young age, I wanted it so bad.
“I have looked up to so many of these players. I think I’ve grown mentally and learnt to be strong. I believe I wasn’t strong enough [previously].
“So, I’ve been working on myself and on the game, obviously … working on my keeping and the batting as well. I feel I’ve put the time in, and I guess it’s now paid off.”
“My first training session was good. I thought it would take some time to adjust, but I think I fitted in quickly.
“I’ll take it as it comes. I just want to do the basics right, and not think too much; just focus on the cricket and do what I know and what I do best,” she added.
