Dané van Niekerk & Marizanne Kapp: Cricket’s Trailblazing Power Couple

When Dané van Niekerk, former captain of South Africa women's national cricket team, married her teammate Marizanne Kapp in July 2018, the cricketing world got its first high‑profile same‑sex partnership on the field. The ceremony, held somewhere in South Africa, instantly became a cultural touchstone, showcasing the growing acceptance of LGBTQ athletes in a sport traditionally dominated by men’s narratives. Their bond has since weathered retirements, comebacks, and countless international tours, proving that love and sport can thrive side by side.

Historical Context: LGBTQ Visibility in Cricket

Cricket, especially in the sub‑continental and African contexts, has long been a conservative arena. While male players occasionally hinted at non‑heteronormative identities, open representation was rare. The 2010s saw a slow shift, thanks to global movements championing inclusion and the rise of women’s cricket as a commercial product. Amid this backdrop, Dané and Marizanne’s marriage marked a watershed moment; it wasn’t just a personal milestone, it was a public declaration that the sport could be a safe space for queer athletes.

Career Highlights: From Domestic Stints to International Stardom

Both players have carved impressive résumés. Dané, born on 14 May 1993, led the national side through the 2017 ICC Women’s World Cup, guiding South Africa to the semi‑finals for the first time. Her all‑round abilities—sharp off‑spin and aggressive middle‑order batting—made her a linchpin.

Marizanne, born 4 January 1990, skyrocketed to fame when she claimed South Africa’s first T20 hat‑trick in 2020 against New Zealand. She’s a regular in franchise leagues: Sydney Sixers (WBBL), Delhi Capitals (WPL), and Barbados Royals (WCPL). Their club careers have taken them across three continents, exposing them to diverse playing conditions and fan bases.

Relationship Milestones: Love, Retirement, and a Comeback

The couple’s first public appearance as a married pair came in a YOYO TV video titled “South African Womens Cricketer Dane Van Niekerk Got Married With Her Teammate Marizanne Kapp,” posted on 10 July 2018. Fans worldwide celebrated the ceremony, sharing the 1‑minute‑18‑second clip on social media platforms.

In late 2022, Dané announced a surprise retirement, citing mental‑health concerns. The decision sent shockwaves through the squad. Yet, true to their partnership mantra, Marizanne became her biggest cheerleader, openly supporting the move on Instagram and during team meetings. Less than a year later, in March 2023, Dané reversed course, stating, “I felt the pull of the wicket and the urge to finish what I started.” Her comeback was marked by a stellar performance against England in the T20 series, where she claimed 3‑for‑22.

Impact on LGBTQ Representation and Fan Culture

According to a 2025 mykhel.com feature, the pair have become “soulmates with a stronghold on South African women’s cricket.” Their visibility has inspired younger LGBTQ athletes across Africa, prompting several cricket academies to introduce inclusive policies. A recent survey by Cricket South Africa showed a 12% increase in self‑reporting of non‑heterosexual identities among women’s league participants between 2022 and 2024.

Moreover, the duo’s social‑media presence—over 250,000 combined followers as of August 2025—has turned them into informal ambassadors for pride campaigns. Brands like Nike and Standard Bank have used their images in “Equality on the Pitch” ads, reinforcing the commercial viability of inclusive narratives.

Future Outlook: What Lies Ahead for the Pair?

Both athletes are slated for the upcoming ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in 2026. While Dané’s exact retirement timeline remains fluid, she has hinted at a possible coaching role post‑2027, potentially joining the national side’s support staff. Marizanne, now a senior figure for the Delhi Capitals, is also eyeing a transition into commentary, having already appeared on Sky Sports’ “Cricket Unpacked.”

Beyond the boundary, the couple is expected to co‑author a memoir—rumoured to be titled “Beyond the Stumps”—which aims to blend personal anecdotes with a broader discussion on LGBTQ rights in sport. If the project materialises, it could become a touchstone for future athletes navigating similar journeys.

• July 2018 – Dané van Niekerk and Marizanne Kapp marry.
• 2020 – Kapp records South Africa’s first T20 hat‑trick.
• 2022 – Van Niekerk announces retirement.
• Mar 2023 – Van Niekerk returns to international cricket.
• 2025 – Both featured in “10 lovely pics… defining couple goals” article.