Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies and Proteas star Nonkululeko Mlaba was crowned the KZN Sports Woman of the Year at the recent KZN Department of Sport, Arts and Culture Annual Awards ceremony hosted over the weekend.
Mlaba, who has risen to the top of international cricket, is currently ranked as the second-best bowler in the world in women's T20 cricket and was an important part of the side that reached the T20 World Cup final at the beginning of the year.
It was a second consecutive year that Mlaba was recognised at the awards after she and fellow Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies Nondumiso Shangase were awarded the MEC Black Blazer Awards in 2022 for their contribution to cricket in the province.
It's been well documented that Mlaba's rise through the ranks was a note-worthy one as she only took up the game of cricket to join in on playing with her friends and family who enjoyed cricket.
From there she graduated through the KZNCU, Sunfoil and KZNDSAC Hub Development Programme and into the provincial side before 'Leftie' forced her way into the national set-up with some strong domestic performances for the Dolphins.
The popular left-arm spinner remains a mainstay across formats for the Proteas with her pin-point accuracy and tendency to pick up wickets.
"We are incredibly proud of what Nonkululeko has achieved in both Hollywoodbets Dolphins and Proteas colours," President of the KZN Cricket Union Yunus Bobat said.
"Her rise to the top of the international rankings has been a testament to how hard she has worked throughout her career and she remains a guiding light to young players that want to pursue a career in cricket."
CEO of the KZN Cricket Union Heinrich Strydom was full of praise for Mlaba who continues to improve and achieve at the highest level.
"We celebrate Nonku, not just for this award but for her overall contribution to the female space," Strydom said. "She has been an absolute champion with a real hunger for success. We look forward to continue walking this journey with her, may it long continue."