Nonkululeko Mlaba's cricket success not surprising to her development coach

Mlaba made history in the recently concluded ICC T20 Women's World Cup in Dubai when she became the first Proteas Women player to take 10 wickets in a single tournament. 

Speaking to SABC Sport Caluza says he is not shocked by this performance.

"I've always believed in Nonkululeko, I wanted her to be successful. There isn’t a coach who doesn't want to see their players shine, we always want our players to be successful. She was a very unique child, she was always curious about the game and always asking questions,” Caluza said.

“She always gave her best in everything that she did, even when she was struggling with whatever I was teaching her, she would do it to the best of her ability. She wasn't afraid to make mistakes.

“One thing we used to fight about was that she didn't want to do anything that involved fitness, which is very important in this game, but now she's really dedicated herself to it."

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The Lindelani Cricket Club was formed under the guidance of former Cricket SA convener of selectors Linda Zondi when the KwaZulu Natal Cricket Union started a development initiative called the Sunfoil Township/Rural Programme which aimed to introduce cricket to rural and township children.

The Ntuzuma-born cricketer was introduced to the sport by her sister.

The township club has also produced the likes of Nondumiso Shangase and Ayanda Hlubi.

Caluza says the spinner’s main goal is to be ranked number one in the world.

"I'm not her former coach, I'm still her current coach, she still comes to Lindelani Cricket Club when she's not on national duty and not with the Dolphins. She always makes an appearance. We still also work together in the Hollywoodbets Dolphins women's cricket club because they are our professional side here in Durban,” he explained.

'Leftie' has worked really hard and we are all very proud of her. Being the first South African woman to take 10 wickets in the World Cup, I can't even put into words how happy I am for her.

“When I spoke to her after the World Cup that was hosted here in SA, she said her main goal is to be the ICC's number-one-ranked bowler in the world, and she said she was going to work hard to get there.

“It looks like she will achieve that. It's still a long journey for her. She's still 24, and if she continues working hard, she will get there and surpass a lot of records. I will be happy to witness that."