Cricket South Africa (CSA) hosted its annual CSA Pathway Awards on Thursday morning at Emperors Palace, celebrating the stars of tomorrow under the theme “Celebrating Greatness.”
The morning ceremony recognised outstanding performers across grassroots and senior amateur levels, with 25 trophies handed out to honour the achievements of players, coaches, administrators, and volunteers who made remarkable contributions during the past season.
At the heart of grassroots development, the KFC Mini-Cricket programme continues to serve as the foundation for future Proteas.
This year’s KFC Mini-Cricket Coach of the Year award was jointly presented to Makgokolotso Moremoholo (Free State) and Ntombikayise Patience Xongo (Kei).
Ofentse Ranoto (Titans) and Bongani Gwamanda (KZN Inland) were honoured as KFC Mini-Cricket Coordinators of the Year, while the KFC Bucket Loads of Good Award went to Mpumalanga’s Phillipine Setlau for her impactful community work through cricket.
In the age-group category, Central Gauteng Lions’ Jason Rowles was rewarded for his all-round efforts with the CSA U19 Men’s Player of the Year award, while Titans’ Janicke Janse van Rensburg was named the SA U19 Girls Player of the Tournament.
The inaugural Schools SA20 recognised emerging talent in the shortest format, with James Robb-Quinlan of Bishops Diocesan College named the Boys Player of the Tournament and Karabo Meso of Steyn City School the Girls Player of the Tournament.
North West allrounder SW Kemp scooped the Student of the Year accolade, while fellow allrounders Fay Cowling (DP World Lions) and Dian Forrester (Knights) were recognised as the Women’s and Men’s Newcomer of the Season in their respective categories.
CSA also celebrated achievements from its ancillary cricket programmes. Kamagelo Paul Matlala (Elandspark School) was recognised as the Learners with Special Education Needs Player of the Tournament. Sebastian Govender was named Intellectually Impaired Cricket Player of the Year, Buhle Bidla received the Blind Cricket Player of the Year award, and Heinrich Badenhorst was honoured as Deaf Cricket Player of the Year.
In the operational categories, Bryan Bloy of SuperSport Park was awarded Groundsman of the Year, while the Central Gauteng Lions Scorers Association earned the title of Scorers Association of the Year.
“The CSA Pathway Awards play an important role in acknowledging the hard work being done at every level of our development pipeline. From players to coaches, scorers and volunteers, these awards reflect the strength and commitment that continue to shape the future of cricket in South Africa.
“Congratulations to all the winners. Your performances and contributions have been outstanding, and we hope this recognition inspires you to keep striving for excellence both on and off the field.”, said Edward Khoza, CSA Executive: Domestic Cricket