How, when and where did it all begin for you as a cricket player?
Wilka: I started playing cricket during primary school break times with the boys. That was 2013 at the Nara Primary School in Kuisebmond, Walvis Bay.
Mekelaye: I started playing cricket in 2013 through my sister Wilka at her practice sessions at the Blue Waters sports field in Kuisebmond.
You made your T20 debut in 2018 (Wilka) and 2021 (Mekelaye), how was the experience?
Wilka: Making my first T20 was a good experience. It was exciting and I was not really nervous because it was all cricket- related, and I knew what my role was for the team and what I was there for.
Mekelaye: My debut was a very good feeling and experience also because my role model Yasmeen Khan was playing with me on the team; I was a bit nervous.
You were part of the Capricorn Eagles that toured Germany last month. How was the experience and what was your contribution to the team’s overall success?
Wilka: It was amazing. I got to see a new world that I mostly only saw on television met new people, made new friends and also experienced that people are more kind and respect one another and they are understanding too. Me being respectful and honest to others and developing a team mentality of thinking ‘we’ not ‘me’ was one of the contributions to the team’s overall success.
Mekelaye: Being part of the Capricorn Eagles tour to Germany was amazing. I got to experience so many new things that I never got to see before.
How does it feel playing with your sister on the national team?
Wilka: It is a good experience and it’s also exciting. I am proud of her and hope to play more tournaments with her.
Mekelaye: Playing national level with my sister has been very good and exciting. I look forward to playing more cricket games with her.
What has been your best performance as a cricketer and why single that one out?
Wilka: My best performance was when we played against Cameroon when I bowled 4 overs and took 5 wickets. I gave away 6 runs; it was my first time and I was excited that I had performed good in a long time.
Mekelaye: My best performance was when I scored my first 100 runs against Outjo’s cricket team. I bowled 3 overs, took 4 wickets and gave away 11 runs. I was so happy and proud of myself.
You are good at both batting and bowling, but which do you prefer?
Wilka: I am good at controlling my ball and I know how to figure out a batsman’s weak point, but I prefer batting even though the team takes me as a bowler.
Mekelaye: I’m taken as a batsman in the team and the only thing I’m focusing on is my bowling to be at the same level as my batting.
What are some of the challenges you have faced as a female cricketer?
Wilka: My biggest challenge was having to sacrifice playing cricket while I was injured and having to choose between school and cricket.
Mekelaye: Once I had to throw a cricket ball from the boundary even though I had an injured arm. I usually struggle to throw but I like putting in my 100% when playing for my team.
Do you think cricket is a career worth pursuing in Namibia?
Wilka: Cricket is a great sport, but at the moment, I am just playing for fun. I am not a contracted player maybe in forthcoming years but for now, women’s cricket is still in the upgrading process.
Mekelaye: I think it is but I am not a contracted player; maybe in the upcoming years. Now women’s cricket is still growing.
Individually, how has the game changed you as a person?
Wilka: Cricket taught me a lot about how to be punctual and how to manage my time. It improved my communication skills with each and every individual.
Mekelaye: Cricket taught me so many things; how to manage my time all the time and to start taking a lot of responsibility for myself and the environment.
How would you describe the progress of cricket as a sport in Namibia?
Wilka: Changes have been made here and the playing grounds look more developed than before.
Mekelaye: Cricket is still in the process of change but cricket in Namibia has developed a lot, for example, the cricket grounds have developed more than before.
As a young player, who was your role model?
Wilka: I have two – Ellyse Perry from Australia and Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton from the Namibian national team.
Mekelaye: My role model is Jhulan Goswami from India women’s cricket team, who is ranked third best female cricketer.
Where do you see Namibian cricket in the next five years, and what are your dreams for your team and you as an individual cricketer?
Wilka: We came a long way. I would like to thank my coaches and everyone motivated me and helped me during the process of my cricket career. Appreciation goes to all the coaches and the board that made cricket a loving sport.
Mekelaye: In the next five years ,I see Namibia as a very powerful and strong team and my dream is to see myself playing good and professional cricket.