After helping the Hollywoodbets Dolphins to a historic CSA One-Day Cup triumph, young Seshnie Naidu has received a first senior contract with the Dolphins for the upcoming season.
Naidu played an important role in the Dolphins set-up throughout the season and that culminated in her being selected for the SA Emerging team that represented South Africa at the Africa Games in Ghana. She also travelled to Zimbabwe with the SA Emerging side earlier in the season.
The Amanzimtoti local has represented South Africa at Under 19 and Emerging level and continues to follow an upward trajectory in her career. The 18 year-old continues to thrive with her first full contract with the Dolphins.
"To have signed a first contract with the Dolphins is a really big step for me and I'm excited to see what happens," Naidu said.
"I've grown up loving cricket and this is a big moment for me in my career and I am looking forward to making the most of my opportunities next season in Dolphins colours."
The Dolphins produced a memorable season in 2023/24 with Naidu playing an important role at such a young age. She scored a crucial 25 in their win over the Lions which clinched the 50 Over title for the Dolphins.
LOOKING AHEAD
Looking ahead to the new season, Naidu is hopeful that the Dolphins can build on their achievements from the previous season.
"Winning that 50 over competition was definitely a stand-out for from the last season, but we are looking to get better and challenge for the T20 title as well.
"To be title winners means that the other teams are going to be wary of us now, so we have to up our game and that's what we are working hard to do."
If Naidu can continue to take wickets with her leg-spin and contribute with the bat for the Dolphins her goal of making the Proteas team might not be far away.
Hollywoodbets Dolphins coach Angelique Taai has been impressed by the giants steps that Naidu has taken in a short space of time.
"Sesh has really risen to the occasion and stepped up from a young age in a senior environment," Taai said. "All her hard work behind the scenes has paid off.
"In the past three years coaching Sesh, she has represented South Africa at the SA Women’s U19 World Cup in 2023, also represented the SA Emerging Team on various occasions and lately attending Protea camps as well.
"She is an impact player for us, but she is still capable of achieving so much as she has not yet reach her full potential to become a genuine allrounder."
'A PLAYER WITH FLARE'
Taai believes that Naidu possesses the ability to be a quality cricketer.
"When I saw Sesh for the first time, it got me excited, and this was when I was still coaching in another province.
"She is a player with flare and just goes about her business fearlessly. It is always nice to see a player grow from strength to strength and learn her craft on the go.
"Sesh was 15 years old when I took over in the KZN area, three years later, at the age of 18, she's a professional cricketer who earns a salary for doing what she loves," Taai added.
This sharp rise for the youngster from the South Coast, however she's taking it in her stride and continuing on her cricketing journey. KZN Cricket CEO Heinrich Strydom believes it's important to incubate local talent.
"Seshnie's rise through the ranks to a full contract at the Hollywoodbets Dolphins is a testament to her talent and hard work," Strydom said.
"We're very proud to have young players coming through our own KZN junior systems and making an impact at the top level.
"Seshnie's become an important part of our Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies team and it's going to be exciting to watch her evolve in such a fruitful environment."