Captain of the South Africa U-19 women’s cricket team, Mieke van Voorst, has stated that her team is in Nigeria with a dual objective of development and competition at the NCF T20I Invitational Tournament 2026 in Lagos.
Van Voorst explained that the tournament presents a valuable opportunity to assess players as part of preparations for upcoming global competitions, including the World Cup.
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“We’re here to develop and compete,” she said.
The captain noted that the coaching staff will use the tournament to evaluate individual performances and team dynamics.
“It’s important for us to assess our players,” she added.
Despite the developmental focus, Van Voorst emphasized that her team remains fully committed to competing strongly in every match.
“We still want to compete and play our brand of cricket,” she stated.
She highlighted the importance of maintaining balance between growth and performance, ensuring that players gain experience while also striving for results.
According to her, playing against different African teams will provide valuable exposure and help improve the squad’s overall level.
Van Voorst concluded by expressing confidence in her team’s preparation and mindset, noting that they are ready to embrace both the challenges and opportunities the tournament presents.
