Mignon du Preez steps down as captain of South Africa women

Mignon du Preez, the South African batswoman, has stepped down as the side’s skipper across all formats with immediate effect. Du Preez wants to focus more on her game after relinquishing captaincy. Dane van Niekerk, the 23-year-old opener, has been named as her successor by Cricket South Africa.

“This was an incredibly difficult decision and took a lot of introspection, but ultimately I believe that this is the best step forward not only for myself, but for the team,” Du Preez said on Tuesday (June 21). “I would like to take this opportunity to thank Cricket South Africa for the faith that they have shown in me for the last five years in granting me the privilege of being the captain of the national women’s team. I would also like to thank my team mates and our management staff for all of their support over the years and for helping me make the Momentum Proteas the team that it is today.

“Finally, I would like to wish incoming captain, Dane van Niekerk, all the best in her new role. It is a thoroughly deserved appointment and I look forward to watching her grow in this all important role.”