Candler continues to conquer cricket

Candler’s career has been on a strong upward trajectory throughout the time that she has played the game and along with a string of national achievements she sees being voted in as captain by her peers as a career highlight.

“It was a big surprise but it’s a massive privilege to lead a boys cricket team,” she said. “I am very thankful for the support from the boys.”

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Candler’s career started very young, however after a break from the game she returned to cricket when she was in grade seven at Howick Prep and she credits her coach Mr Ismail Kajee for her rise through the ranks.

“Mr Kajee has made sure that I was in the teams growing up and has also been crucial in me pursuing cricket as a career.

“He’s played a massive role in my career and he said that the role as captain was a massive privilege and that I am a great leader so I won’t have any problems,” Candler added.

Last year Candler made the step up to the national Women’s Super League where she represented the Thistles and had the chance to rub shoulders and learn from the best in the country.

“It was an incredible experience being able to play with and against some of the Proteas players.

“I played with and against the likes of Sune Luus and Laura Wolvaardt which was a huge learning curve for me and I took so many positives from that experience.

“Laura Wolvaardt is definitely someone in the national team that I look up to and I have also become close friends with the wicket-keeper Sinalo Jafta who’s been there to encourage me and keep me motivated.”

The goal for any aspiring sports person is to represent their country and Candler’s goals are no different.

“Playing for the Proteas is the main goal at the moment and it would be a massive honour and privilege to play for my country.

“In the short-term I am going to study and play cricket in KZN but from there we will take it as it comes.”