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Former Proteas fast bowler and cricket legend Makhaya Ntini says the ICC Women's T20 World Cup starting in nine days time will be a special celebration of cricket on the continent.
This is the first time South Africa is hosting a Women's T20 World Cup, an occasion which will take the profile of women's cricket in South Africa and the continent to new heights.
Ntini was speaking at a festival of street cricket at Kenako Mall in Gqeberha on Tuesday, where the official 10-day countdown to the opening match between South Africa and Sri Lanka was celebrated.
"I remember how incredible it was to play in a World Cup; the honour and the thrill to represent your country is one of the best feelings out there," said Ntini.
"I would encourage every player to enjoy the occasion, the good and the bad, this opportunity doesn't come around often."
All eyes will be on Newlands Cricket Ground on 10 February as South Africa begin their bid for a maiden ICC title against Sri Lanka.
The Momentum Proteas then travel to Paarl to take on New Zealand on 13 February and on Saturday 18 February they tackle defending champions Australia at St George's Park in the late game at 7pm.
The double-header at St George's also features England against India in the early game at 3pm.
South Africa complete their group stages assignment against Bangladesh on 21 February back at Newlands.
Cricket South Africa has meanwhile confirmed the 15-player squad that will represent the Momentum Proteas in the ICC Women's T20 World Cup.
The big talking point is the omission of former captain Dane van Niekerk after she reportedly failed a fitness test.
The team will be captained by all-rounder Suné Luus, with Chloé Tryon continuing her role as vice-captain..
The squad includes Marizanne Kapp of Eastern Province and the Garden Route Badgers duo of Tazmin Brits and Annerie Dercksen.
