Proteas Women seamer Ayabonga Khaka is pleased to be playing competitive cricket again after a year on the sidelines due to shoulder injury.

Khaka, who played the last of 54 ODIs in June 2018, returned for the South Africa Women Emerging squad early last month.

‘It was really special for me to be honest.I haven’t played many games for a long time now, so to be out in the middle is a good feeling,’ said Khaka.

‘The road back has been really tough, but I’m getting there with each and every session and each and every day that passes by. It’s great to be back working on my skills again. I’ve missed that, so for now I’m enjoying the moment, not rushing or anything like that, just easing my way back into the routine.

‘It’s been tough, it’s been frustrating. Sometimes it’s even gone to the extent of asking myself whether I’m ever going to bowl again.

‘But at the end of the day I’ve had faith in myself and faith that I will bowl again. The support that I’ve had from those around me has helped with everything I have been through.

‘Being strong mentally is the most important thing. I had to trust the process, which was not easy. It took longer than expected to be honest because first I was told three months, then it went to six and so on.

‘A year later I’m still not back, so it’s been a difficult road. But I kept believing as I said and here I am today.’

The talented right-armer has taken 62 wickets in 54 ODIs – and 17 more in 17 T20Is.

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