Dané Van Niekerk leading from the sidelines

Johannesburg — Dané van Niekerk has grown accustomed to the brace on her left leg and the crutches she needs to traverse the many steps around the Wanderers Media Centre. Every step is a reminder of the journey that she can’t take.

“It’s been very emotional, it’s been very difficult. I’m angry with myself, it was an accident. With any accident in life you think you could have prevented it, so I’m quite upset about it,” says Van Niekerk. She fractured her left ankle in that “accident” at home a few weeks ago, and as a result wasn’t considered for the World Cup in New Zealand.

The sadness is tangible. Van Niekerk tears up when asked what message she would have for the team, if she was able to talk to them directly before they departed. “Sjoe, I’m not a cryer … ,” she says, dabbing away tears. “Just enjoy it. You know, if you sit on the side, you start to realise how fortunate you are to be able to play for your country. It’s a World Cup, but it’s also another opportunity to make your family and your country proud, so just have fun.”

She has been in the commentary booth – first for the men’s national team’s ODI series with India and then the South African Women’s side’s preWorld Cup series with the West Indies. However she’d much rather be on the field.

“When I watch the team, I do get emotional. It’s difficult for me to watch them and not be there. I’m still struggling … I struggled when they announced the World Cup team, that was hard,” she says while watching the Proteas wrap up a series win against the West Indies at the Wanderers last Sunday.

This is a Proteas team built in Van Niekerk’s image. She took over as captain from Mignon du Preez in 2016 and quickly demanded more of the players; not only in terms of runs,