For batter Sabelo Jiyane, representing Eastern Storm is a dream come true.  

For Eastern Storm ladies’ Sabelo Jiyane, the road to professional cricket has been long and arduous, but she never flinched or gave up.

Jiyane has become a vital cog in the Easterns women’s senior side since her 2015 debut as a 14-year-old in the junior ranks.

“I’m grateful to play for Easterns. It’s a big achievement, and I am proud to wear that jersey because I’ve achieved one of my goals. I’m honoured to play for the team. It’s my second home.”

Hailing from Tsakane, the KFC mini-cricket programme introduced her to cricket as a Grade Four learner in 2012. Despite resource constraints in a football-dominated township, She instantly fell in love with the sport.

“We used to play mini-cricket. That’s how I fell in love with it. It was different from the other sports we played. I also thought that if I played, it would attract more girls,” Jiyane said.

She began her journey under respected coach John Vilakazi, who was instrumental in moulding the top-order batter into the player she is. However, playing with the boys is when her game really developed.

“Coach John told us to stay away from mischief because sports would make us go far. I learnt a lot under him, especially about understanding the game. Playing with the boys made me stronger and helped me understand the game better.”

It wasn’t all easy because of inadequate resources. Jiyane quickly realised the dilapidated training nets at Shadrack Mbambo Primary School were a world apart from the lush, green fields she aspired to play on at Willowmoore Park and would have to work twice as hard to make that dream a reality.

“I appreciated training at Shadrack Mbambo and am still grateful for that place. We didn’t have many resources and had to work really hard.

“Training in that environment led me to where I am, and I believe it was a blessing in disguise because it defined what working hard means. I would like to change the place and make it a better cricket facility for the upcoming generation,” Jiyane said.

The 22-year-old persevered despite these challenges. However, considering Jiyane’s a woman in a sport that stinks of male testosterone, she fought great odds to forge a cricket career and is now a paragon of motivation for other girls in her community.

“Back then, there were no opportunities for girls. It was all about the boys, but they started introducing tournaments for girls to uplift us, and we also got scholarships.

“I still believe this sport will take me far from where I am now. There are more opportunities for women, and they will change many female cricketers’ lives.”

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