Jemma Botha, a rising star in South African cricket, was born on May 29, 2007, in Grassy Park, Cape Town. At just 17 years old, she has made a name for herself as an all-rounder, showcasing her talent on both national and international fronts. Representing the SA U19 Women and playing for World Sports Betting Western Province in the Hollywoodbets Pro Series, her cricket journey began in childhood, inspired by her father who introduced her to the sport.
Recalling her early days, Botha fondly remembers starting with KFC Mini-Cricket at age five and aspiring to emulate cricketing legend AB de Villiers with his aggressive playing style. Apart from cricket, she also excelled in athletics, representing Western Province in javelin during her time at Wynberg Girls High School.
Botha's remarkable on-field contributions earned her the CSA Girls U19 Player of the Tournament award for the 2023/24 season, a recognition she cherishes. With significant experience from major tournaments like the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup and the 2024 African Games, where Team South Africa won silver, she has matured rapidly as a player.
As she prepares for a five-match Youth T20 International Series against Ireland from October 28 to November 1, Botha expresses her excitement. “Having Ireland here is a fantastic opportunity for our families to watch, and we’re ready to showcase our skills,” she says, hopeful as the South African U19 team readies for the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in 2025.
South Africa U19 Women Squad: Youth T20 International Series against Ireland (28 October – 01 November)
Jemma Botha (World Sports Betting Western Province), Fay Cowling (DP World Lions), Jae-Leigh Filander (World Sports Betting Western Province), Mona-Lisa Legodi (Fidelity Titans), Simoné Lourens (Fidelity Titans), Karabo Meso (DP World Lions), Seshnie Naidu (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Nthabiseng Nini (Glencore Dragons), Luyanda Nzuza (Knights), Diara Ramlakan (DP World Lions), Kayla Reyneke (World Sports Betting Western Province), Diedré van Rensburg (Glencore Dragons), Mieke van Voorst (Eastern Storm), Ashleigh van Wyk (Eastern Storm), Chanel Venter (Fidelity Titans)
Fixtures: South Africa U19 Women’s Youth T20 International Series against Ireland (28 October – 01 November)
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, 01 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)