The South Africa batter on the importance of the occasional cheat meal, and her love of braai
Interview by Annesha Ghosh19-Mar-2021What do you like eating most in any given week?
. That’s probably because I’m South African, we all like to eat braai. Around the world, braai is known more as barbecue. I am a big meat-eater, so if I can have meat during my meal, I’m always happy and it puts a smile on my face.Of all the venues you’ve played in to date, where did you find the food most delicious?
During the 2017 ODI World Cup [in England], Leicester County Cricket Club served us delicious food. At the Lalbhai Contractor Stadium in Surat, where we played in 2019, I loved the Indian delicacies.As far as cooking goes, what would be your claim to fame?
I think my husband would say cannelloni. That’s one of his favourites and I enjoy making cannelloni. And if I am pressed for time I go for something Mexican, like a fajita or a burrito bowl. It’s quick, easy, and delicious.Are you the best cook in the family?
No (). I’ve been on tour so often and been playing cricket most of the time, I am grateful that my mom did most of the cooking. It was only after I got married that I realised, “Whoopsie! Mom’s not around, so I’ve got to step up.” I’ve got a few go-to meals, but every time I get back, I feel like I’ve forgotten everything. I don’t remember how to make the food! So we just then have to make a braai and I stick to a side salad, which is pretty easy.If you could pick one team-mate to cook meals for you for one year straight, who would that be?
I’d go for a WBBL team-mate, in the Melbourne Stars family: Holly Ferling. She’s made some really good food for us on tour and she’s extremely good at baking. I have got a sweet tooth, so if I’ve got to be stuck with a team-mate for 365 days, she’ll spoil me.What sort of fast food is allowed in the South Africa women’s team?
The biggest thing about fast food is [that it] is processed. You can try to stay away from processed food and instead eat real ingredients when it’s freshly made. In South Africa and elsewhere we’ve got Nando’s, which is a really healthy option. You can get good flame-grilled chicken.That being said, I do feel every now and then you’ve got to spoil yourself, just be human, and have that occasional cheat meal. I’m big on treating myself. For me, it could be a pizza or a pasta. The point is just don’t overdo it or do it too often.
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