The Momentum Proteas return to South Africa on Thursday with their reputation enhanced as a growing force in the global game following their successful white-ball tour to India.
Coach Hilton Moreeng and his team touch down at 15h00 at O.R. Tambo International Airport, days after wrapping up their T20 International Series with a 2-1 scoreline. They also won the One-Day International leg of their trip to the Asian country by a 4-1 margin.
Victory in the 20-over format was their first-ever series triumph over India, while their 50-over wins vaulted them up to their highest position ever on the world rankings when they climbed to second.
“We really are appreciative for the support that has come our way these past few weeks,” Moreeng stated.
“We were up against one of the best teams in the world in their own conditions. The way we started both series was key and winning those first games had been something we spoke about especially after not managing that in the past. But we did that and it set the tone in both the ODIs and T20s.
“The performances from the players were incredible and I don’t think I can praise them enough for their efforts. So I’m really proud of the girls. It was tough, but they made it look really easy.”
Prior to their tour to India, South Africa beat New Zealand for the first time in an ODI series last year, they reached the ICC T20 World Cup semifinal in Australia and they overcame Pakistan in two white-ball series on home soil in Durban.
Moreeng also praised Cricket South Africa (CSA) and sponsors Momentum for the part they had played in helping his team make so many gains over the last 15 months.
“We would like to thank CSA and our sponsors, Momentum, for making all of this possible,” he added. “Without them it is very difficult to be competitive in modern sport, hence we appreciate what they have done for this team.”
Head of Momentum Metropolitan Sponsorships and Events, Carel Bosman, was also full of praise for the way captain Sune Luus and her charges progressed in the sub-continent.
“We’re really excited as Momentum and send a hearty congratulations to the Momentum Proteas Women’s team, the coaching staff and management on an incredible performance in India,” he said.
“For us as a business, we always talk about being here for your journey to success. I still remember vividly when we got involved as the first sponsor to the team more than eight years ago, to see what has happened since is just incredible.
“None of the players were contracted at the time, but just to see the development in self-belief, in skills, in professionalism, in play and I think all of South Africa witnessed the level of cricket played in India. It was exceptional and in the process we saw this team make history. We as Momentum are just thrilled to see how this has come together, to see how they have climbed up the world rankings and it’s all looking really prosperous for the World Cups that are coming up.”
Bosman was also grateful for the partnership with CSA and proud that Momentum was associated with the women’s team.
“We also want to thank CSA for the partnership,” he added. “We’re quite outspoken about gender equality and women upliftment. To see how this team has captured those values and where they’re going is something we should all be proud of.”