Grantleigh learner selected for SA Under-19 Women’s Cricket Team
30 January 2026Selection for a national squad before turning 14 marked a major step in the cricket journey of Nobubelebesisa ‘Nobe’ Zwane, who has been named in the South Africa Under-19 Women’s Cricket Team.
Nobubelebesisa, who was raised in Richards Bay, has been part of the Grantleigh community since preschool, joining the school in 2016. Now 13, she has earned her place among the country’s leading youth players ahead of preparations for the ICC Under-19 Women’s T20 World Cup, set to take place in Bangladesh and Nepal.
Strong performances at national level
Her selection followed a standout showing at the CSA Under-13 Girls Week in Johannesburg, where she scored 206 runs across five T20 matches. That tally included consecutive half-centuries while captaining the KwaZulu-Natal Under-13 side, and she ended the tournament as the leading run-scorer.
Nobubelebesisa has since progressed into Under-19 competition. During the Youth T20 Tri-Series in Durban, she earned her first SA Under-19 cap and featured in the opening match against Zimbabwe, finishing unbeaten at the close of the innings.
Balancing school and high-performance sport
Despite competing in an age group up to seven years above her own, she has continued to manage school commitments alongside a demanding training and match schedule. Reflecting on that balance, she said: ‘Being at Grantleigh has really helped me balance my education and sport.’
An accomplished all-round athlete, Nobubelebesisa has represented her school in cricket, netball, hockey, football and swimming. She has earned district and provincial colours in all codes except swimming, which she continues at club level.
Nobubelebesisa, who is inspired by Proteas Women captain Laura Wolvaardt, said, ‘My goal for 2026 is to train harder, gym more and continue learning from experienced players.’
