March 17, 2025: Promising all-rounder Annerie Dercksen, who was named the ICC Emerging Women’s Player of the Year 2024, has earned her maiden national contract with Cricket South Africa (CSA) for the 2025/26 season. Dercksen’s inclusion in the 15-member squad marks a significant achievement in her career, following her impressive performances that helped secure her spot on the team. Notably, players like Lara Goodall and Delmi Tucker did not make the cut this time.
Enoch Nkwe, CSA’s Executive for National Teams and High Performance, expressed his appreciation for Dercksen’s contribution to the team, highlighting the importance of her new role. He stated, “It’s a momentous occasion for Annerie Dercksen, whose performances have been impressive as she cemented her spot in the team, earning a well-deserved first national contract.”
The squad for the 2025/26 season includes some of South Africa’s top players such as captain Laura Wolvaardt, Marizanne Kapp, Tumi Sekhukhune, Sune Luus, and Chloe Tryon. The Proteas Women, led by head coach Mandla Mashimbyi, are preparing for a pivotal year in international cricket, with the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India being their major focus.
Wolvaardt, ranked No. 1 in the ICC Women’s ODI rankings, was outstanding in 2024, amassing 697 runs across formats at a remarkable 87.12 average. She was also among the nominees for the ICC Women’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2024. Alongside Wolvaardt, Tazmin Brits was another key contributor with the bat, scoring 187 runs during the Women’s T20 World Cup. Left-arm spinner Nonkululeko Mlaba played a crucial role, taking 12 wickets as the Proteas made it to the final of the tournament.
Nkwe spoke about South Africa’s ambitions for the upcoming Women’s ODI World Cup, saying, “We are proud to announce the Proteas Women’s contracted squad for the 2025/26 season, a group that embodies the depth, talent, and potential of women’s cricket in South Africa. As we prepare for a pivotal year with the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in India, this squad offers the right balance of experience and youthful energy. We believe this group is well-equipped to compete at the highest level and continue making the country proud.”
The Proteas Women’s team had a strong showing in 2024, finishing as runners-up in both the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE and the ICC Women’s U19 World Cup in Malaysia, narrowly losing to New Zealand and India, respectively. With an exciting blend of experienced campaigners and emerging stars, the Proteas are well-positioned to make a mark at the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup 2025 in India.