Proteas wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta has reflected on a journey that has taken her from being inspired to take up the game after watching Makhaya Ntini on TV to receiving an award named after the cricket legend.
Jafta tells Sowetan about the full-circle moment of receiving the Makhaya Ntini Power of Cricket Award, the highs and lows of her cricket career, her journey to sobriety, and the lessons she has learned along the way.
What did receiving the Makhaya Ntini: Power of Cricket Award mean?
I didn’t expect it. I don’t play cricket for accolades. It’s always about making an impact where I can. But when I got the award and learned what it was about — someone who shows resilience on and off the field — it meant so much to me. When you look at my journey, there have been ups and downs, and I’ve had to learn how to navigate life both on and off the field. So to receive something that recognises that resilience was special.
How has Ntini inspired you?
I remember being in grade 3 and watching cricket at my grandmother’s house in 2003. I had played hockey at school and did athletics, but I didn’t know what cricket was. I watched because I was curious. I remember seeing Makhaya Ntini and thinking, “Maybe I want to be a bowler one day.” And now I’m a wicketkeeper, which is completely different, but I’m still in cricket.
How did cricket find you?
When I found out my high school had girls’ cricket, I went straight to the teachers and asked, “Where do I go for cricket?” I had never played a proper cricket game before. But because I had played hockey, I had good hand-eye coordination, so batting came naturally.
Eventually, they gave me wicketkeeping gloves because they didn’t have a keeper. I was like, “I don’t want this thing. I want to be a bowler.” I was terrible at first, but slowly but surely, I fell in love with wicketkeeping.
When did you realise you needed help with your struggle with alcohol?
I drank before, but I was drinking for fun. But then I started drinking when I was angry or sad. It became a way of dealing with things. Instead of sitting with whatever I was feeling, I would drink. I realised that I had a problem. Going into rehab was scary because I knew that I was going there to get better, but I didn’t know what being better looked like. It took me about four days inside to realise, “Okay, I’m going to take as long as it takes for me. I’m not going to leave.”
What has sobriety taught you?
I have my life back. I don’t have to second-guess who I am. Rehab taught me that it’s okay not to be okay, but don’t do it alone. Call that person. Call that friend. Speak to somebody. Before, my friend was alcohol. Now my friend is picking up the phone.
How have you changed?
Before, everything was “me, me, me”. I was arrogant, selfish and entitled. These are things I’m proud to say out loud because now I’m aware of them. I’ve learnt that you have to take accountability. I’m not perfect, but I’m more aware of myself.
I want to support women who need help accessing treatment because I know how important that support can be.
— Proteas wicketkeeper Sinalo Jafta
How did your journey inspire the work you’re doing through the SJ10 Foundation?
My dream is to own a rehab centre. I want to support women who need help accessing treatment because I know how important that support can be. I look around my village, and there is so much land, but there are no resources and no equipment. I want to create a place where young people can come and have access to facilities. I want them to be able to play cricket, hockey, rugby, netball and other sports.
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