Historic first for Namibia women’s cricket as board finally announce maiden central contract

26th March, 2024 a big day in the history of cricket as Namibia Cricket announces the first ever central contract for the women’s team. The contract was negotiated and signed in February 2024, and were finally announced and celebrated in March 2024 at the Namibia Cricket Ground.

Namibia Cricket also became the first sporting body in the country to give these central accounts to both men and women national cricket teams.

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Contracted Players: Kayleen Green, Sune Wittmann, Arrasta Diergaardt, Edelle van Zyl, Bianca Manuel, Irene van Zyl, Wilka Mwatile, Mekelaye Mwatile, Naomi Benjamin and Saima Tuhadeleni

“For the first time, we have been able to professionalise the women’s game. This is a significant moment for sports in the country. It’s the first time ladies have been signed on contracts where cricket is their occupation. Ten ladies now have the opportunity to support their households by pursuing their passion. We want to thank Capricorn Group and everyone involved,” said Johan Muller, CEO of Cricket Namibia. 

Namibia has been emerging as a decent team since they received their T20I status in 2018. They have participated in 72 T20I matches out of which they have won 44 which looks like a good start for the new team. They also represented the Africa region in the 2019 Women’s T20I World Cup qualifier but were unable to advance in the main event in 2020.