By Gosego Phutieagae

In a remarkable rise, the North-West University (NWU) ladies cricket team has exceeded expectations, securing promotion to the Premier A division after being crowned the North West Women’s Premier B Champions for the 2025/26 season. This demonstrates the power of resilience and the effectiveness of the NWU’s growing investment in women’s sport.

Founded in 2024, the team faced a tough initiation in the North West Cricket Ladies League, where they encountered seasoned opposition that proved difficult to overcome in their debut season. However, the team’s tenacity and commitment to improvement set the stage for a transformative second season.

Under the guidance of head coach Thabo Sebekedi, the team made huge strides, dominating the Premier B league. Their league triumph earned them a spot in the Premier A division for the 2026/27 season, an impressive leap for a team so new to the competitive landscape.

But it wasn’t just in the league that they showcased their talent. The team also made an impact in the 2026 T20 competition, where they were unbeaten up to the final, only to fall short and finish as runners-up.

"While we didn’t take the final, the growth we've shown in both the league and the T20 format has been exceptional,” Thabo said, praising the dedication and discipline of his players. “This victory is a testament to the players’ belief in the process, and we are excited for what lies ahead in Premier A.”

The team’s success has not gone unnoticed by the NWU’s sports administration and supporters. Thabo Raborifi, sports officer, hailed the achievement as a reflection of the university’s commitment to empowering women in sport. "Their promotion to Premier A and the strong T20 campaign shows the strength of our development structures and our ongoing commitment to excellence in women’s sports,” he said.

The NWU Ladies Cricket team’s rapid development reflects a broader trend of increased support for women’s sports at NWU, and as they look to the Premier A division in 2026/27 their focus remains clear; continue their upward trajectory and prove that their success is no chance, but the beginning of an era of dominance in women’s cricket.

The NWU ladies cricket team has been promoted to the Premier A division.