August 24, 2026
As Women’s Month draws to a close, Titans Cricket continues to honour and celebrate the remarkable Daisy Ladies who have dedicated their lives to the sport. In this feature, we spotlight Fidelity Titans bowling all-rounder Kay-Leigh Tapp; a staple of the franchise whose quiet composure and resilience embody the spirit of the game.
Having joined the Fidelity Titans in 2020, Tapp has represented the Daisy Ladies across both the Pro20 and Pro50 formats. Beyond the current domestic landscape, her ambition for the women’s game remains bold. She looks forward to the day a long-format three-day league is introduced for women in South Africa, eagerly awaiting the opportunity to represent the Titans on that stage.
Like many great cricket stories, Tapp’s journey began right at home in the backyard.
“It all started with my older brother,” Tapp reflects. “When he first started school and joined the cricket team, he needed someone to play with, so we would spend hours playing in the backyard together.”
Those hours of friendly competition built more than just skill; they laid the foundation for a lifelong passion. As she developed her game, early mentorship helped turn raw potential into performance. Tapp credits her mentor, Coach Simon, as her biggest influence growing up, noting that he held a deep belief in her abilities long before she recognised them in herself.
When looking for inspiration outside of cricket, Tapp draws strength from professional surfer and author Bethany Hamilton, whose legendary courage in overcoming extreme adversity resonates deeply with her own athletic philosophy. That philosophy extends far beyond the boundary ropes. Off the field, Tapp balances her playing duties with her professional role as the Head of Sport at a local Pretoria high school, actively shaping and inspiring the next generation of youth athletes.
For Tapp, stepping onto the pitch requires more than technical skill; it takes mental toughness. When asked about her ultimate superpower as a woman in sports, she highlights two core qualities: calmness and resilience, both on and off the field.
That steady mindset is rooted in her personal daily mantra: “Calm mind, strong heart. Trust the process and never give up.”
While her focus on the pitch is razor-sharp, Tapp deeply values the shared moments with her team. Among her favorite off-pitch memories with the Fidelity Titans squad are the quiet, early morning coffee runs while traveling together on tour, building the bonds that make the squad a family.
To all the young girls sitting in the stands, watching on screens, or practicing in their own backyards, Tapp offers advice grounded in self-belief:
“Believe in yourself, even when you’re the only one who does. Don’t be afraid to dream big and work hard, you are capable of more than you think.”
Kay-Leigh Tapp stands as a powerful reminder that with a calm mind, a strong heart, and relentless drive, women will always rise, rule, and reign under the Titans Cricket banner.
