Nombuso Makatong – a fighter who always gives her all

Born in Batlharos, a village near Kuruman, Nombuso Makatong has discovered that the journey through varsity can be both challenging and rewarding. And while academic pressures sometimes test her resilience, she refuses to be defined by setbacks. 

The same is true on the cricket pitch where Nombuso describes herself as passionate, dedicated, and talented. She describes herself as a fighter who always gives her all, playing every match with heart and pride. The young player even has bigger ambitions, saying that if she could play anywhere in the world, Lord’s Cricket Ground in London would be her dream destination; describing it as a stage where history and cricketing legends meet.

Nombuso’s love for cricket began when she was just nine. She says that at first, she believed cricket was a sport only for boys, but after watching her schoolmates play, she decided to join in– just for fun. 

That decision changed everything. She found that she enjoyed the game, and her passion quickly grew. She found herself playing for the Kalahari Eye Warriors, her local club, where cricket got deeper into her veins and became a defining part of her life.

Her proudest moment came when she scored 150 runs to help her team win one game for the Warriors. Not only was it her first century and a half, but it also marked the first time anyone in her club had reached such a milestone. For Nombuso, it was a team victory that carried personal pride and joy.

But Nombuso does not run at high revs all the time. Before a big match, she prepares by staying calm and building confidence. She reminds herself of the hard work she has put in, reflects on past successes, and focuses on controlling what she can. This approach has allowed her to step onto the field with a clear, positive mindset.

For the young batter, the joy of the game comes in a number of ways. She treasures the friendships, memories, and family-like bonds she has formed. For Nombuso, cricket is not just a game but a pathway of growth, joy, and determination.