Gandhi Jafta has a name that exudes a sense of calm and composure, and she is looking at bringing more of that to the crease in the 2020-21 season for the Northerns Women’s team.
Jafta admits that the ongoing lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic has been hard, but understands that it is absolutely necessary in order for life – and cricket – to resume in future.
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‘I love being out in any of the nature that we have in South Africa. And playing cricket, of course. I have stayed busy with my studies through Tuks University, as well as watching The Good Wife and Grey’s Anatomy,’ she revealed.
Playing for Northerns means an enormous amount to the energetic Jafta, and she has been inspired by the wealth of talent around her at Centurion.
‘It’s an absolute privilege. It means I get to do what I love with an incredible group of ladies and a team vision I agree with. The squad has stayed relatively the same from the previous season which is exciting because it means we get to continue growing together and becoming better people and players together,’ she added.
From a personal perspective, she has set her goals out for the upcoming season. She wants to play a big part in the push for silverware, and that means doing her primary function even better.
‘I want to help the team win as many games as possible. It’s also important to contribute significantly to the batting department by getting some big scores with increased consistency,’ she said.
Outside of the game, she cites Margaret Mitchell, her school teacher, as her inspiration, and wants to work in policy making once she puts her bat down. But that is a while away yet, and she plans on making the most of her opportunities right now.
‘Playing within the Titans brand has been very inspiring. Their sustained winning culture is really something to aspire to and, in the women’s team, I really look up to Mignon Du Preez,’ she explained.
‘She is amazing to play with, simply because of the wealth of knowledge she possesses about the game and also her willingness to share and teach this knowledge.’
Photo: Gallo Images
