JOHANNESBURG – Proteas women’s captain, Dané van Niekerk will be out of action for four to six weeks after suffering an injury to her foot.
She has a type 1 tear of the plantar capsule and is therefore ruled out of the upcoming Cricket SA (CSA) Women’s Quadrangular Series in Potchefstroom starting on Saturday.
Hilton Moreeng, the team's head coach, said he is saddened by the development but fully backs Van Niekerk to recover in time for the ICC Women’s World Cup.
He is also looking forward to seeing players stepping up and filling the gap she will leave behind.
“It’s not ideal to lose our captain in the last stages of our preparation for the World Cup, but this is a good opportunity for someone to step up to the plate and fulfil this key all-rounder role in the squad,” he said.
“We wish Dané a very speedy recovery and look forward to having her back.” The selectors have confirmed that there will be no replacement named in Van Niekerk’s place. An interim captain will be named soon."
Definitely not for me.. Gutted I cannot join my #momentumproteas family! I have no doubt they'll make the country proud! #seeyouguyssoon pic.twitter.com/HorTbMd18i
— Dane van Niekerk (@danevn81) May 2, 2017
African News Agency