WYNBERG GIRLS' STAR BOTHA EXCITED FOR IRELAND SERIES

Jemma Botha has steadily developed into a promising young all-rounder within South African cricket and one of the notable talents in her age group.

At just 17 years old, ‘Jem’ is already making waves on both the national and international stages, representing the SA U19 Women and her hometown team, Western Province in the senior domestic competition.

Botha’s journey into cricket began in her early childhood. "My dad put a baseball bat in my hand and threw balls at me, and at the age of five, I started playing Mini-Cricket [at St Augustine Cricket Club in Elfindale]," she recalls. Her passion for the game was ignited from that moment, and it wasn’t long before her natural talent began to shine. Growing up, she idolised AB de Villiers, one of South Africa’s most iconic cricketers, and modelled her game after his aggressive style of play.

In addition to her cricketing prowess, Botha has also been an accomplished athlete during her time at Wynberg Girls' High School, representing Western Province in javelin. Off the field, she loves animals and enjoys gaming, which provides a balance to the life of a cricketer.

Botha’s all-round abilities have been important for both Western Province and the SAU19 Women’s team. "As an all-rounder, I have to bat and bowl, but I’d say I’m more of a batter than a bowler," she says, adding that bowling offers her another way to contribute to the team’s success. Her versatility doesn’t stop there, as she places equal importance on her fielding abilities.

The off-spinner’s notable performances for Western Province on the domestic front earned her the CSA Girls U19 Player of the Tournament accolade for the 2023/24 season, a recognition she holds dear. "To be recognised as the best player there – speechless, that’s all I can say. It’s a big honour,” she added.

Botha has already represented South Africa at several major tournaments. She played a crucial role in the inaugural ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup, held in South Africa last year. Reflecting on her experiences, she says, "Playing in a World Cup at such a young age forces you to mature faster. Not many people my age can say they’ve competed on the world stage, and for that, I’m incredibly grateful."

Her international journey continued when she represented Team South Africa at the 2024 African Games in Ghana. The youngster was part of the squad that won a silver medal in the T20 cricket tournament. "Winning silverware at 16 is really cool. It wasn’t gold, but it’s still something I’m proud of," Botha noted.

Now, Botha is gearing up for her next major challenge – the SA U19 Women’s five-match Youth T20 International (T20I) Series against their counterparts Ireland, taking place from 28 October to 1 November at the Groenkloof Oval in Tshwane.

The excitement of playing youth international cricket on home soil is not lost on her. "It’s amazing to have Ireland come here. It’s another opportunity for our families to come and watch us play, and we’re ready to give them some warm South African cricket, so be ready for some great matches," she says with a smile.

The SA U19s will use this tour to intensify their preparations for the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia from 18 January to 2 February 2025. Head coach Dinesha Devnarain’s side has been drawn in Group C alongside New Zealand, Samoa and an Africa Qualifier for the second instalment of the competition.

SOUTH AFRICA UNDER-19 WOMEN SQUAD FOR IRELAND SERIES

Jemma Botha (Western Province), Fay Cowling (Lions), Jae-Leigh Filander (Western Province), Mona-Lisa Legodi (Titans), Simoné Lourens (Titans), Karabo Meso (Lions), Seshnie Naidu (Dolphins), Nthabiseng Nini (Dragons), Luyanda Nzuza (Knights), Diara Ramlakan (Lions), Kayla Reyneke (Western Province), Diedré van Rensburg (North West Dragons), Mieke van Voorst (Easterns), Ashleigh van Wyk (Easterns), Chanel Venter (Titans)

FIXTURES

Monday, 28 October 

1st Youth T20I @ 09h30: South Africa U19 Women vs Ireland U19 (Groenkloof Oval, Tshwane)

2nd Youth T20I @ 14h00: South Africa U19 Women vs Ireland U19 (Groenkloof Oval, Tshwane)

Wednesday, 30 October

3rd Youth T20I @ 14h00: South Africa U19 Women vs Ireland (Groenkloof Oval, Tshwane)

Friday, 1 November

4th Youth T20I @ 09h30: South Africa U19 Women vs Ireland U19 (Groenkloof Oval, Tshwane)

5th Youth T20I @ 14h00: South Africa U19 Women vs Ireland U19 (Groenkloof Oval, Tshwane)

Article courtesy Cricket South Africa Media. Image: CSA/Gallo