Cricket Namibia announces first-ever central contracts for women’s team

In a historic development, Cricket Namibia on Tuesday, March 26, announced central contracts for the women's team for the first time. The ground-breaking announcement saw 10 professional contracts being granted to the Capricorn Eagles. These contracts, which were negotiated and signed in February this year, were announced at a gathering held at the Namibia Cricket Ground.

The aforementioned announcement marks Namibia Cricket as the first sporting body to provide central contracts to both the men’s and women’s national teams in the country. Johan Muller, CEO of Cricket Namibia, expressed his delight at this progress, terming it as a significant moment for sports in Namibia. He extended his thanks to the Capricorn Group and others involved in making this landmark announcement.

“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," Muller as quoted by Cricket Namibia’s official website.

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The Capricorn Eagles currently sit in 17th place in the ICC Women’s T20I Team Rankings. The women's team, who received the T20I status from the International Cricket Council (ICC) in 2018, has so far played 72 games, emerging victorious in 44.

Marlize Horn, Group Executive of Brand & Corporate Affairs for Capricorn Group, emphasized Capricorn Group’s fulfillment in their partnership with Cricket Namibia.

“This is a very exciting day for women in Namibia and the Capricorn Eagles. Thank you to the board and management of Cricket Namibia for this unbelievable and amazing gesture. We know the Capricorn Eagles will make Namibia proud. 

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“My personal opinion is that cricket is the most professionally run sport in Namibia so we are very proud of our association with Cricket Namibia. From our side, girls, congratulations on receiving your contracts. We know you will now work even more harder and make us proud,” Horn said.

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