CSA Pathway Awards 24/25: Where greatness is born

In a year marked by exceptional talent and promising performances, Cricket South Africa (CSA) is set to honour the country’s future stars at the CSA Pathway Awards, taking place on 31 July at Emperors Palace in Johannesburg.

The event will highlight top-performing schoolboy and schoolgirl cricketers, as well as individuals involved in CSA’s broader development programmes. Coaches, scorers and others involved in the cricket development pathway will also be acknowledged for their efforts over the past year.

At the grassroots level, the KFC Mini-Cricket programme continues to play a central role. Awards will be presented to the Coach of the Year and Coordinator of the Year, acknowledging the volunteer coaches and coordinators who have made a consistent contribution in their regions.

Additionally, the KFC Bucket Loads of Good award will recognise an individual who has made an extraordinary contribution to the long-standing Mini-Cricket programme, reflecting CSA and KFC’s appreciation for community heroes.

A commitment to inclusivity in cricket is evident in its continued support for a wide range of initiatives. These include the Regional Performance Centres & Hubs programme, along with support for the ancillaries, including Blind, Deaf and Intellectually Impaired Cricket, as well as Learners with Special Education Needs.

The Pathway Awards will honour top performers from these initiatives, as well as award the CSA Scorers’ Association of the Year, the Groundsman of the Year and the top performers in various tournaments, including rural cricket, veterans cricket, SA Forces and the CSA Community Cup.

This year’s ceremony will include the first-ever awards for the Schools SA20 Boys and Girls Player of the Tournament, following the inaugural Schools SA20 competition.

There will also be recognition for performances at the 2024/25 National Youth Weeks, including the U16 Boys Week, Khaya Majola Week, and the U16 and U19 Girls Weeks.

The Pathway Awards breakfast will culminate in the announcement of the CSA U19 Men’s Player of the Year, Student Cricketer of the Year, Women’s Provincial Player of the Year and Men’s and Women’s Domestic Newcomer of the Season.

CSA Executive: Domestic Cricket, Edward Khoza commented: “The Pathway Awards are about more than just celebrating performances on the field. They’re about shining a light on the hard work, time and passion that so many people put into developing cricket in South Africa. From coaches and coordinators to scorers and volunteers, each of them plays a vital role in helping young cricketers take their first steps in the game.

“We congratulate all the nominees and those who will be recognised at the breakfast. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed. And to the players, let these honours be a step along the way, keep pushing forward, keep striving, and keep growing in the game.”

Cricket South Africa (CSA), in partnership with KFC, is proud to spotlight the unsung heroes of grassroots cricket as part of the upcoming CSA Pathway Awards, focusing on the individuals nominated in the KFC Mini-Cricket Coach and Coordinator of the Year categories.

These awards honour the people who help build the foundation of cricket in South Africa. KFC Mini-Cricket reaches thousands of children across all provinces, providing not only access to the sport but also creating a pathway for future talent to be identified and developed

This year’s nominees for the KFC Mini-Cricket Coach of the Year include Makgokolotso Moremoholo (Free State), Rozanne Steenkamp (Boland), Phillip Mapheto (Limpopo) and Ntombikayise Patience Xongo (Kei).

In the KFC Mini-Cricket Coordinator of the Year category, Aventhea Kearns (Boland), Bongani Gwamanda (KZN Inland), Nation Ntlame (North West) and Ofentse Ranoto (Titans) have been nominated for their notable contributions to the programme’s operations in their respective regions in the 2024/25 season.

From running festivals, clinics and school matches to mentoring volunteers and working with schools and parents, the coaches and coordinators’ dedication is felt at the heart of their local communities.

Speaking on the importance of recognising the KFC Mini-Cricket coaches and coordinators and their impact on grassroots cricket, CSA Mass Participation Manager, Buhle Vaphi, commented: “These awards are more than just a title, it’s a reminder that the heart of cricket in South Africa beats in our schools, on dusty fields and in communities where kids first fall in love with the game. Recognising these volunteers and coordinators means we’re acknowledging where it all begins.

“These coaches and coordinators give their time, often after hours and on weekends, with no expectation of recognition. But their impact? It’s long-lasting. Many of our national players once stood in line behind cones, waiting for their turn to bat, guided by a coach just like the ones we’re honouring now.

“They’re everything: teacher, motivator, sometimes even a second parent. When a six-year-old picks up a plastic bat for the first time, it’s the coach’s energy and kindness that shapes whether they feel confident or shy, excited or overwhelmed.

“Coordinators, behind the scenes, make sure there are enough balls, kits and games for those kids to play. Without these volunteers, the system doesn’t move. They make sure cricket is accessible, fun and a safe space for all kids, no matter where they come from.

“To every coach and coordinator across South Africa, you are the heartbeat of this programme. Whether you’ve just started or have been involved for years, know this: you are building more than players, you’re building people. Every time you show up, even when it’s hard, you’re moving the legacy forward. These awards might spotlight a few, but they honour all of you. So let’s keep going, together,” she added.

Andra Nel, Head of Corporate Affairs KFC Africa, said: "It is through the devotion of coaches and volunteers nationwide that the programme continues to level the playing field and inspire the next generation. The programme is more than a game, it is an opportunity to build confidence, nurture talent, foster equality, confidence, and resilience to create lasting impact, one child at a time.

“We are proud to stand beside you and celebrate every one of you who makes it possible."

The KFC Bucket Loads of Good Award will also be presented to an individual who has made a lasting difference in their community beyond their role in the game.

Below is the complete list of nominees for the CSA Pathway Awards 2024/25.

CSA PATHWAY AWARDS 2024_25 NOMINEES.pdf

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