"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."
The 27-year-old, in 2014, led her side to its first ever ICC Women's World T20 semi-final and also became the first women's captain to beat India and Bangladesh away from home in a One-Day International series. In all, she has led South Africa in 46 ODIs, 50 Twenty20 Internationals and one Test.
Newly appointed skipper, Van Niekerk, revealed her excitement after getting an opportunity to lead the country and termed it as the 'biggest honour' of her career. "Captaining my country has been a dream since I began playing cricket and I am humbled that CSA have chosen me for the job. I would like to thank Mignon for paving the way and bringing the team this far. I look forward to filling her shoes as best I can and moving the team forward."
Van Niekerk and du Preez were also part of a 14-member list of players that were awarded national contracts for the upcoming season.
Contracted Players:
Dane van Niekerk, Trisha Chetty, Mignon du Preez, Marizanne Kapp, Shabnim Ismail, Dinesha Devnarain, Matshipi Letsoalo, Moseline Daniels, Chloe Tryon, Sune Luus, Lizelle Lee, Masabata Klaas, Ayabonga Khakha, Andrie Steyn.
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