Marizanne Kapp, the South African all-rounder, recently shared her journey of overcoming the temptation to retire from international cricket. Earlier this year, she contemplated stepping away from the sport due to the pressures of balancing franchise commitments and the responsibilities of a pivotal role in a rebuilding national team. The added strain from the fitness issues surrounding her wife, Dane van Niekerk, further compounded her struggles.
However, Kapp received guidance from CSA director of cricket Enoch Nkwe, who advised her to take her time before making such a significant decision. Grateful for his intervention, Kapp now feels invigorated and believes she's performing at the peak of her career. She stated, "The older I get, I'm getting better," emphasising her excitement about representing South Africa, especially with the upcoming T20I and ODI World Cups.
Despite her commitment to international duties, Kapp's workload is being carefully managed. She aims to continue contributing significantly as an all-rounder in T20s, even as she scales back her bowling responsibilities in ODIs due to the physical demands of the game and her evolving role within the team. Kapp's management has allowed her to participate in franchise leagues while still supporting the national team, highlighting her dedication to both.
She acknowledged the pressure of previous seasons, particularly her last experience with the Sydney Thunder in the WBBL, where she struggled with form and confidence. Her transition to the Melbourne Stars, where she has a three-year deal, has restored her optimism, allowing her to play alongside familiar faces like Meg Lanning and work with coach Jonathan Batty.
Kapp's performance statistics support her belief that she is at her best. In 2023, she showcased impressive numbers, averaging 62.63 in ODIs and maintaining a strong T20 average of 33.06 with an elevated strike rate. This resurgence can be traced back to her Test century against England in 2022, which reignited her confidence in her batting.
Reflecting on her challenging journey, Kapp noted the influence of her faith and personal growth through struggles, including those surrounding her partner and the challenges brought on by the pandemic. This holistic approach to her personal and professional life has allowed her to rediscover her love for the game and look forward to contributing to her team's success. Overall, Kapp is buoyed by her current form and eagerness to make an impact in the upcoming tournaments.