Sinalo Jafta: From Alcohol Addiction to Cricket Recovery

South Africa wicketkeeper, Sinalo Jafta, thought her cricket career was over when she entered a rehabilitation facility for alcoholism in the autumn of 2022. Her main focus was on saving her life rather than playing in a World Cup final just four months later. However, Jafta’s story took a positive turn as she recently celebrated a year of sobriety and hopes to inspire others with her recovery.

Reflecting on her journey, Jafta admitted that her drinking problem escalated over time. It began during her first year of university, where social events and fines in hockey led her to believe that drinking was just a bit of fun. But as the years went by, alcohol became her coping mechanism for any emotion, whether happy or sad. After returning from the Commonwealth Games in the summer of 2022, Jafta’s emotions intensified, leading her to seek help in rehab.

Jafta believes that online abuse on social media contributed to her negative mindset, fueling the destructive thoughts that drove her to a dark place. She recalls feeling like she was drinking to die because she had lost all hope and felt like she had nothing left to offer. At times, her alcoholism made her resent those trying to help, including doctors and team-mates. However, Jafta eventually realized that she was the only one who could make the necessary changes.

With the support of Cricket South Africa, Jafta spent two months in rehab. When she left the facility in December, she was thrilled to discover that she still had a cricket career. By February, just a few short months after rehab, she was back on the field playing in a home World Cup. Although South Africa lost their opening fixture to Sri Lanka, their triumph over England in the semi-final brought great joy and celebration in Cape Town as they reached their first ever World Cup final in men’s or women’s cricket. While Australia ultimately won the final, Jafta realized there was a much bigger picture to appreciate.

Jafta described her emotions when walking out for that first game as a mix of excitement and gratitude. She acknowledged that regardless of the outcome, she was grateful to be alive and sober, learning to embrace each day as it comes. The recovery process has been tough for Jafta, with some days being more challenging than others. Nonetheless, it has completely changed her perspective on life. She refuses to stay silent about her experiences and hopes to use her platform to make a difference.

Inspired by her own journey, Jafta has established her own foundation to help young girls access cricket in South Africa. Additionally, she aims to assist more women in accessing rehabilitation treatment in the country. Having experienced the support and opportunities given to her by coaches and her mother, who is a single parent, Jafta wants to ensure that other girls have the same advantages. She recognizes that not everyone is as fortunate as she has been and is passionate about giving back.

Sinalo Jafta’s story is a testament to the power of recovery and the ability to rise above adversity. She has demonstrated resilience, strength, and a determination to use her experiences to inspire and help others. Jafta’s journey from alcohol addiction to cricket recovery serves as a powerful reminder that there is always hope and that the path to recovery is just the beginning of something beautiful.