Makhaza fast bowler Nosipho Vezi was recognised for her stellar performances when she was named the One-Day Cup Player of the Year and overall WP Women’s Player of the Year at the Western Province Cricket Association’s awards ceremony on Saturday.

Vezi, who grew up in Highbury, Umtata, has pursued the sport despite not coming from strong cricketing communities.

Speaking to Vukani, she expressed her passion for the sport.

“It feels really good to be honoured. But without the team’s effort I would not be where I am today. My team played a big role in these accolades. I started playing cricket when I was young with Bakers Mini Cricket. You know all kids love sweet things. It was biscuits that brought me to cricket and I started to love it. Fortunately, at Umtata one of my teachers saw the talent in me and encouraged me to continue with it. I did and when I came to Cape Town, it was the first thing I looked for. As they say, the rest is history,” she said with a smile.

The Western Province bowler, who also plays cricket at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), says women are often expected to get married and have children, but not encouraged to pursue their careers, especially in sport.

She urged young girls to get an education and be involved in any kind of sport.

“Through sport I was able to get tertiary education for free. In fact it was through cricket that I studied at the UWC. I especially encourage girls to be involved in sport and get their education. I never thought that I would study mahala because of the sport. If one plays sport, there are more opportunities than only focusing on one thing.”

Vezi is currently doing her Honours in Psychology. While she is a star in her family, what she really wants to be is an inspiration for women and girls in the townships and villages.

She has hopes that one day she will be representing the Proteas and have the opportunity to play in the various T20 leagues around the world.

Her proud father Makhosimane Vezi said his daughter has lived up to the meaning of her name, Nosipho, for being gifted.

Mr Vezi said when she started with the cricket back in Umtata, he never thought that the sport would bring his daughter this far.

“It is only now that I see the fruits of her toil. She is very gifted and I am happy for her,” he said.

Fast bowler Nosipho Vezi after walking away with the One-Day Cup Player of the Year and overall WP Women’s Player of the Year awards at the WPCA awards ceremony on Saturday August 24.

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Makhaza fast bowler walks away with top awards