Kerrin keeps on climbing

KNYSNA NEWS - Local cricket umpire Kerrin Klaaste is continuing to rise in the umpiring ranks. In the last two months she has not only made marked strides on a national front, but also most recently on district level, having been handed the Recognition of Technical Excellence award at last week's Eden Sport Awards.

The awards ceremony was held in George, and it was the second consecutive year that Klaaste was a finalist in the Recognition of Technical Excellence category having finished as one of the runners-up in 2022.

This year she was nominated alongside Karin Bence and Jolanda Peens, but it was ultimately the Knysna local who won out.

Klaaste was beyond chuffed. "After finishing as a runner-up last year I walked away and I made it my mission to return in 2023 and walk away with top prize this time," she said.

"It really does mean so much to me. I've worked really hard this year and to see it pay off in this way is very rewarding."

Other achievements in 2023

To say her hard work has paid off this year, would not do her achievements justice. In January she umpired at the ICC U19 Women's T20 World Cup.

In March she officiated at the Legends League Cricket Masters in Qatar. Her experiences at the world cup were invaluable.

"It's hard summing up an experience of a lifetime; an experience that has contributed enormously to my growth and has laid the foundation of what's to come," she said. "It was honestly one of the greatest experiences ever and I'm grateful for being part of such a historical event. The learning was continuous both on and off the field."

Yet more to come

Believe or not, but this was just the start. In June, Klaaste was named as the newest member of the Cricket South Africa Reserve Umpires Panel, and only the second-ever woman to be selected for the panel, after Lauren Agenbag.

"This is a massive stride in my umpiring career. I am now eligible to officiate CSA Division 2 games which I have had my eyes on for a couple of years now, as it would be my first engagement with domestic cricket in SA."

And it keeps going

Even bigger news was still to come for Klaaste. She has now been selected as one of the umpires for the Women's World Cup African Qualifiers in September. The qualifiers will be held in Botswana, and it will mark a significant step for Klaaste as it will be the first time that she umpires international women's matches.

"Excited would be an understatement as it's one of the more prestigious tournaments I've been appointed to, given that it's one step above the U19 girls setup."

The year is only just past halfway through, and while she has already achieved so much, there could yet be more to come.

Klaaste remains humble though. "I can't say that I anticipated much of what this year has already brought, but I am immensely grateful for each opportunity. I am even more excited to get the 2023/24 season underway!"

Klaaste has been having an incredible 2023. Photo: Blake Linder