Sunette Viljoen-Louw

Sunette Viljoen-Louw is a remarkable South African sportswoman who has represented SA in both cricket and athletics. A hard-hitting right-hander suited to the top of the order, Sunette was the youngest player to debut for the Proteas Women at the time of her debut, aged just 16. She went on to represent the Proteas Women on 18 occasions before pursuing her other passion, athletics. In 2022, Sunette returned to the game, linking with Easterns in the domestic T20 competition.

An outstanding athelte, Sunette competed as a javelin thrower, winning Olympic silver in Rio (2016) as well as Commonwealth Games gold medals (2006 & 2010). As well as medals in various other competitions, Sunette represented South Africa at 4 Olympic Games, with only injury preventing a 5th appearance at Tokyo.

As a cricketer, she represented the South African national team between 2000 and 2002, including at the 2000 World Cup in New Zealand. She returned to provincial cricket at the conclusion of her athletic career in summer 2021-22.

After finding her feet in the game on her return, her 2nd season back in the provincial scene cemented her return, scoring 255 runs @ 42.50 in the domestic T20 for the Titans before returning to Gauteng where it all started ahead of the 2023-24 summer. Sunette struck 223 runs @ 37 for the Lions and in the Jozi Cup, she was outstanding for Randburg, scoring 443 runs @ 88.60 with a best of 121 in May 2024

Seeking her first season in the UK in 2024, Sunette joined Upminster CC and was nothing short of sensational, scoring runs at will and 1067 of them @ 97.00 in total. She played for both the Ladies and Men’s sections throughout the summer.

Sunette will be a fantastic choice for any UK club seeking a high-class Women’s cricketer for the summer. Sunette is also looking for County/Hundred and T20 opportunities generally.