Tumi Sekhukhune | A Journey of Resilience and Pride Ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup

DUBAI: Tumi Sekhukhune is at a turning point in her career as the Proteas Women prepare for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The seasoned seam bowler is eager to show her worth and proudly represent her city of Daveyton, Johannesburg, after overcoming injuries and missing the 2023 home World Cup.

Overcoming Obstacles

Sekhukhune considered missing the T20 World Cup the previous year to be a major disappointment. "I didn't enjoy the event, particularly because it took place at home. It would have been extremely meaningful to perform for my family on a major platform worldwide, she says. But this setback motivated her to put forth even more effort.

"I had to sharpen my skills and reflect on what I could offer to the team," she explains. She faced psychological and physical difficulties as a result of her recurrent groin ailment in 2022 and her withdrawal from the World Cup squad. "My mental state broke down. There are moments when you feel insufficient, either yourself or your abilities."

Sekhukhune found a way forward with the help of her colleagues and provincial coaches, especially Bongani "Coach Fantastic" Ndaba, the current Proteas Women fielding lead and former DP World Lions coach. "I had coaches who helped me improve in specific areas, and taking small steps helped me stay motivated," she says. 

She remained focused in spite of the difficulties she was having getting back in shape. "Some days, I didn’t feel like doing anything, but I told myself to take it one day at a time."

Being Proud to Represent Daveyton

Her hometown of Daveyton has always been important to Sekhukhune's path. "Growing up in Daveyton shaped the person I am today," she says. Sekhukhune, a gifted athlete who played handball, volleyball, and netball as a youngster, switched to cricket in September 2018, giving her the opportunity to demonstrate her abilities on a global platform.

She is proud to be playing for her community at the World Cup. "Seeing Daveyton residents cheer me on, share my posts on social media, and let me know they are fully behind me makes me feel unique. I truly value that connection a lot."

Getting Ready for the World Cup

For Sekhukhune, getting her place on the 2024 T20 World Cup roster is a significant accomplishment. Becoming a World Cup player was one of my top priorities. Now that I have, my priorities are to maintain consistency, make sure I'm ready, and be at the ready to grab chances as they present themselves."

Additionally, Sekhukhune has modified her training to meet the demanding conditions in the United Arab Emirates. "I tried to acclimate to the environment by spending more time in the sun. I was able to get used to the heat thanks to our visit of Pakistan before moving to the UAE." She understands that her responsibilities as a senior player go beyond bowling. It is imperative that I make an equal contribution both on and off the field. There's pressure because of the team's success the previous year, but I'm prepared for it because my bowling style fits these circumstances."

Individual Development and Introspection

Sekhukhune has had several chances in the last few years to develop himself. "I had to pick up new behaviors and unlearn some. Although difficult, it advanced my development as a person and as a cricket player." She was able to reunite with her loved ones during her break from the game. "I spent more time with family, friends, and my dog, which helped me stay grounded."

While she was recovering, she continued her education. "My injury gave me time to focus on finishing my degree in Supply Chain Management in Logistics, and my family motivated me to continue my education."

Counsel for Upcoming Proteas

Sekhukhune has discovered the importance of perseverance and self-control in overcoming obstacles. "Sports can be difficult and can result in injuries, but it's crucial to maintain perspective. Train hard, put in your gym time, and give your body the nutrition it needs. Be disciplined and have faith in the process when obstacles arise."

Her message is obvious for young ladies who aspire to be Proteas players: "Cricket is a rewarding game, full of ups and downs." You will succeed if you persist in honing your art and have patience, even if you stumble and fall. Have faith in your abilities and realize that you have great potential.

All Set to Shine Once More

Sekhukhune's return to form and fitness is evidence of her fortitude and tenacity. She is a proud ambassador of her community and is getting ready to leave her mark at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup in 2024. Tumi Sekhukhune is prepared to rise and represent South Africa on the international scene with Daveyton's help and the lessons she's learnt along the road.

United Arab Emirates - Proteas Women's Team for the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024:

Laura Wolvaardt (Captain) (Fidelity Titans), Anneke Bosch (Fidelity Titans), Tazmin Brits (DP World Lions), Nadine de Klerk (World Sports Betting Western Province), Annerie Dercksen (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Mieke de Ridder (Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers), Ayanda Hlubi (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Sinalo Jafta (DP World Lions), Marizanne Kapp (World Sports Betting Western Province), Ayabonga Khaka (DP World Lions), Suné Luus (Fidelity Titans), Nonkululeko Mlaba (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Seshnie Naidu (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Tumi Sekhukhune (DP World Lions), Chloé Tryon (DP World Lions) 

Traveling Reserve

Miané Smit* (Recon Tactical Free State)  

Fixtures for South Africa at the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2024 (October 3–20)

Sunday, September 29 at 16 a.m. SAST: South Africa vs. New Zealand, First Warm-Up T20I (ICC Academy, Dubai)

Tuesday, October 1st at 16:30 SAST: South Africa vs. India, 2nd Warm-Up T20I (ICC Academy, Dubai)

First Match: South Africa vs. West Indies at Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Friday, October 4 at 12:00 SAST

England vs. South Africa, second match, Monday, October 7, at 16 o'clock SAST (Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah)

Third Match: South Africa vs. Scotland (Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai) on Wednesday, October 9 at 12:00 SAST 

Saturday, October 12 at 16 a.m. SAST: South Africa vs. Bangladesh, fourth game, Dubai International Cricket Stadium

Thursday, October 17 at 16 a.m. SAST: Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Semi-final 1

Friday, October 18 at 16 a.m. SAST: Sharjah Cricket Stadium, Sharjah, site of Semi-final 2.

Sunday, October 20 at 16 a.m. SAST: The championship game (Dubai International Cricket Stadium)