Sinalo Jafta Reflects on Proteas Women’s Growth in Tri-Series 2025

“It’s All About the Journey” – Sinalo Jafta Reflects Ahead of Proteas Women’s Final ODI in Tri-Series 2025

As the Proteas Women gear up for their final match in the 2025 Tri-Nation ODI Series against Sri Lanka, South African wicketkeeper-batter Sinalo Jafta is urging her team and supporters to focus not just on the scoreboard, but on the journey that’s been unfolding behind the scenes.

Despite a string of defeats, Jafta’s words offer perspective, composure, and belief that this young South African side is learning and growing with each challenge faced in the subcontinent. Ahead of the final clash in Colombo, she reflects on the team’s resilience, growth, and readiness for the bigger stage the 2025 ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.

A Series That’s Tested Grit Over Glory

For the Proteas Women, the Tri-Series has been less about victories and more about adaptation and evolution. They arrived in Asia facing tough conditions and even tougher opposition. With back-to-back losses, including a 23-run defeat to India in their previous match, South Africa finds itself out of the final. But for Jafta, this was never just about lifting a trophy.

“We came in with about six players under the pump,” Jafta said. “But the character that everyone showed I'm sure everyone picked up on that. Yes, we didn't get the W, but a lot of boxes are ticked. If you don't look at the result, but why we came here you could fly back home at peace.”

That statement is telling. It's a team not defeated by results, but empowered by purpose. This series has been about testing combinations, building depth, and embracing pressure before the World Cup later this year in India.

Stepping Stones to the World Cup

The South African squad sees this Tri-Series as a dress rehearsal for the World Cup and a brutal but necessary one. Asian pitches, spin-friendly conditions, and slow outfields make for a very different game than what many of the Proteas players are used to back home.

Still, Jafta remains confident: “Going into India, I’m not worried. We’re a team that knows how to pick up our hands at the right time. We’ll definitely be prepped.”

And there have been individual performances worth celebrating. All-rounder Chloé Tryon brought stability with a brisk 67 in the last match, while Annerie Dercksen shone with a career-best 81, giving selectors another reason to back her in future assignments.

Karabo Meso: The Next Gen, Nurtured

While experience is crucial in these conditions, South Africa also made room for the future. Karabo Meso, an exciting young wicketkeeper-batter, made her ODI debut in this series.

Jafta, who has held the gloves for years, has taken on a mentor’s role with grace and humility. “I never see it as competition,” she said. “I see it as an opportunity for her to grow. She is the future wicketkeeper of this team. I’m here in a supportive role. Domestically, she’s done a fantastic job for the Lions. It’s an opportunity well deserved.”

In a sport where internal competition often sparks rivalry, Jafta's approach is refreshingly selfless. Her goal is not just to lead from behind the stumps, but to prepare the next leader to take over.

Culture of Positivity in a Game of Uncertainty

Jafta is known for her vocal presence behind the stumps a constant source of energy and encouragement for her teammates. This isn’t just natural charisma; it’s intentional leadership. She understands the power of positivity, especially when the chips are down.

“I’ve always had a positive approach. As soon as you go negative, people around you tend to follow. My focus is to stay positive as long as possible.”

That mindset is crucial in a tour like this where not much has gone right on paper, but plenty has gone right in terms of team culture and preparation.

Eyes on the Final Fixture

South Africa’s final match of the series is against hosts Sri Lanka at the R. Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo. The Proteas will not be competing for a place in the final, but for pride, growth, and momentum heading into a packed calendar year.

“Tomorrow we’re going out there and giving it everything,” Jafta said. “Coach always says, if everyone does their job 100%, the result takes care of itself.”

And it’s that mentality collective accountability, individual excellence that might not win every match now, but lays the foundation for long-term success. With the World Cup looming, every experience is an asset, every setback a lesson, and every game a brick in the path forward.

Final Thoughts: It’s All About the Journey

What Sinalo Jafta and the Proteas Women are building right now is more than just a team it’s a mindset. A resilience forged in the pressure cookers of Chennai, Colombo, and Mumbai will be invaluable come World Cup time.

This Tri-Series might not go down as a triumph in the record books, but it may be remembered as the series that hardened the core of a team still finding its best version. And in that sense, Jafta is right it’s all about the journey.