Former South Africa captain Dane van Niekerk wants to "prove something to myself," as she gears up to make her international comeback.
She is set to make her return against Ireland on Friday at Newlands, where she has been playing domestic cricket since retiring from the international game in 2023 and wants to show herself, not anyone else, that she still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.
"That's the main goal - just proving to myself that I can really tick those boxes that I want to tick. I know if I tick those boxes, I will contribute to the team, hopefully in winning situations. That's what it's all about for me," van Niekerk said at a pre-tour camp in Cape Town. "I didn't think the day would come. It means a lot. It means the world. I got my clothes (national kit) again, and it felt like it was my clothes for the first time. I got a new helmet as well. I was like a child. That's what it means to me to be here."
Van Niekerk reversed her retirement in August and is still in some disbelief that she has been recalled though she has been in good form this summer. She is currently the fourth-highest run-scorer in the domestic one-day cup, the seventh highest in the T20 competition, and has scored four fifties in seven innings across formats in the last two months. Though she has not been bowling, van Niekerk is "crossing fingers it wants to come," and is ready to contribute in any way she can.
"A lot of things have changed since I was part of the team, and for the good. The intensity is through the roof. For me, contributing, whether it's knowledge, whether it's tactics, whether it's chats about cricket and experiences, if I can do it with the bat in hand or in the field, whichever way, in a positive manner, if I can contribute, I'd be happy," she said.
Van Niekerk had the same aim when she signed for Western Province at the start of the last season: to help out. "Initially, the goal was to give back and really assist the young players. I made it quite clear that I don't want to do it for no reason. I'm taking somebody's spot and contrary to what people think. I'm not doing it for the money," van Niekerk said. "Then, I did okay in the season and then I got a call from this big guy with a big personality (head coach Mandla Mashimbyi) and I just had a conversation, and that made me sign again for Western Province. Even then, with the emotions and everything, I didn't know. But then my why got a lot bigger. I just needed some time to process everything. I'm still processing some stuff, but the why was very clear to me. I guess that's when the real work started, and it's still continuing. I'm really proud of the strides I've made. There's still a lot of hard work, but from where I was to where I am now, I'm pretty damn proud."
The death of her father six months ago contributed to van Niekerk's reframing of her mindset and drove her determination to return to the game she has built her life around.
Even while she was away from the national side, she has been adjacent to it, largely through her wife Marizanne Kapp, who has played in all three World Cup finals South Africa reached in the last three years. Van Niekerk was in attendance at those matches, albeit not in the way she would have liked.
"I've been very vocal about how chuffed I am for the team and their successes. On the sidelines, or in the commentary box, or just as a wife, or a friend, it is always nice to see," she said. "Obviously, I wish I was there, because who wouldn't? I think any person, even if they didn't play cricket, would have loved to walk out in India, against India in a World Cup final. That is just electric and that's the moment you live for. I am very proud."
She also senses that after successive T20 World Cup finals and their first ODI World final, South Africa are ready to take the next step. "I think this team is due a World Cup. Whether I'll be part of it or not, it doesn't matter. I just think it is due for this group of players to lift the Cup."