Following another successful season for the KZN Cricket Union the curtain was drawn on last season with a positive Annual General Meeting on Friday.
The highlight of the season was the Dolphins Ladies triumph in the CSA One-Day Cup, which saw them become the first professional women’s side to win the title.
The Hollywoodbets Dolphins men’s side reached their fourth consecutive T20 final and fell agonisingly short of reaching the final in the 4-day challenge.
The Dolphins once again produced a number of Proteas stars with players across both the men’s and the women’s national sides making an impact at international level.
The Hollywoodbets Dolphins Blind team won the national competition, Rhythm DHS Old Boys the national club champs for ladies and Hollywoodbets Crusaders the national Community cup.
The KZN Cricket pipeline is arguably in the best space it has ever been with various youth teams dominating at national level and various boys and girls selected for national representation. This all stems from a solid foundation built by a strong KFC mini-cricket-, hub-, and schools programme.
The past season was unprecedented for KZN Cricket who set out to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium. Over the period of the last season KZN Cricket put on 125 different events to celebrate this milestone – well over their initial goal of 100.
Operation Kingsmead continues to march on as Kingsmead Stadium aims to be a destination for major cricket matches and events in the country.
This past season saw Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium host the entire KFC T20 series between the Proteas and Australia, as well as a T20 international against India. Three of the four T20 Internationals were sold out.
Continuity in governance has been a privilege the KZN Cricket Union has enjoyed and this season that remains. Yunus Bobat will start a second term as the President with Busi Mbhele and Daniel Govender as Vice-Presidents. Three new members, Thahir Fakir, Sihle Sibaya and Zinhle Ndlovu will join Feroza Asmall and Ntokozo Mkhize as the independent members on the Board.
"Our successful AGM marks a significant milestone for our organisation," President Bobat said. "I want to thank our shareholders, board members, and employees for their unwavering support and dedication.
"We are excited about the future and remain committed to delivering value for our stakeholders."
Once again, the KZN Cricket Union received an unqualified audit report, and the financial position continues to strengthen under the leadership of CEO Heinrich Strydom.
“The 2023/24 season will not only be remembered for the 125 events hosted to celebrate a century of test cricket at the iconic Hollywoodbets Kingsmead, but also for the immense growth and prosperity experienced by the entire Dolphins family,” Strydom said.
“Holistically we are in a phenomenal space and 2024/25 will bring another opportunity for us to continue on this journey towards sustainable excellence.”
“We are immensely grateful for the support and input received from our entire Dolphins family, together we will continue to make a positive impact.”
The 2024/25 season will get underway in September domestically and once again Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium is primed and ready to host some exciting international cricket.