Exclusive: Dane van Niekerk Puts Retirement on Hold to Lead Proteas’ New Era of Youth

Proteas Women all-rounder Dane van Niekerk is thrilled to be back in the national team setup after putting her retirement plans on hold earlier this year, and she could be set to make her second debut against Ireland Women in the upcoming series.

South Africa will face Ireland in an inbound tour starting this Friday, with the first T20 match scheduled for 2pm SA time at the Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town. 

The series will feature three T20 internationals followed by three One Day Internationals. 

Coming off a disappointing loss to India in the ICC Women’s 50-over World Cup final, the Proteas are using this series to build towards next year’s T20 World Cup, with the three matches in that format forming a crucial part of their preparation.

Back in the Proteas Fold

Van Niekerk’s comeback follows a turbulent period in her career, having been left out of the Proteas squad for the 2023 ICC T20 World Cup after failing a fitness test. South Africa reached the final of that tournament but fell to Australia by 19 runs.

The 32-year-old subsequently announced her retirement but later reversed her decision earlier this year.

Excited about the road ahead, Van Niekerk told Sportsboom.co.za that discussions with coach Mandla Mashimbyi convinced her to continue her journey with the national team.

“If you asked me six months ago, I probably wouldn’t have thought I would be here.”

“I had conversations with coach Mandla earlier this year, and then things transpired, and I took some time away again just to deal with what happened.”

“That kind of fueled my fire to come back and give it one more go. I am not 18 anymore, so it’s probably my last shot, and I would be stupid not to take it. I am proud of the strides I have made, and hopefully I can help the team.”

Bringing Experience and Leadership

A former captain, Van Niekerk brings far more than her skills to the squad; her experience will be invaluable for Mashimbyi, particularly in guiding younger players making the step up to international cricket.

Despite her leadership background, she says she does not focus on captaincy but is happy to provide guidance when needed.

“I do not think about that anymore; Sune (Luus) and Laura (Wolvaardt) have both done a great job as captains. The team has transitioned away from my leadership style.”

“But I am always here when it comes to a tactical point of view, and I think I can still add a lot of value in that regard.”

“I will always be happy to be a sound board for Laura, but she has been doing really well, and she’s got someone like Chloe (Tryon), who is her vice captain and has a vast amount of experience, and also Kappie (Marizanne Kapp) and Ayabonga Khaka, so I will be there just when called upon.”

Adapting to an Evolved Environment

Since her return, Van Niekerk has been representing Western Province domestically. 

Her selection for the Ireland series follows her inclusion in the national training camp ahead of the ODI World Cup earlier this year, where she missed out on the final squad. She now has a clear path toward next year’s T20 World Cup.

Reflecting on the changes since she last played for the Proteas, Van Niekerk says the team has evolved significantly.

“There is a lot of youth around, a lot of things have changed, and there is the management and the intensity around everything, but I think that comes with evolving the sport and the professionalism; everything changes, and it goes up a level."

“But I dearly miss my friends and colleagues that I played with, and I feel like some of them can still play cricket for their country, but that is life, and it’s just a natural evolution of the game.”