The Momentum Proteas Women’s cricket team has been awarded R7.5m by the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture as recognition for their achievement in reaching the final of the 2023 Women’s T20 Cricket World Cup. Despite finishing as runners-up to Australia in the tournament held in South Africa last month, the team was acknowledged with a substantial reward during a “recognition luncheon” in Johannesburg on Tuesday, as announced by Deputy Minister Nocawe Mafu.

During the event, medals were also presented to the team members for their impressive performance in the tournament, making them the first senior South African cricket squad to reach a World Cup final. Furthermore, Mafu revealed an additional R15m for Cricket South Africa (CSA) to establish a professional women’s cricket league over the next three years.

CSA CEO Pholetsi Moseki expressed gratitude towards the department for their dedication to women’s cricket. According to Moseki, the financial assistance illustrates the department’s commitment to cricket development, which will support CSA’s ongoing efforts to professionalize women’s cricket in the country. Moseki further emphasized the significance of collective responsibility to allocate resources for the advancement of women’s cricket, indicating that the department’s support is crucial for the growth of the game.