Dolphins’ stars lap up CSA Awards

The Hollywoodbets Dolphins contingent celebrating the various award winners at the recent CSA Awards (from left): Back Row: Ayanda Hlubi, Ottniel Baartman, Heinrich Strydom (KZNCU CEO), Davin Heffer (Hollywoodbets). Middle Row: Dave Miller, Prenelan Subrayen, Nondumiso Shangase, Morgan Shandu (Hollywoodbets), Keshav Maharaj, Yunus Bobat (KZNCU President), Khaya Zondo. Front Row: Nonkululeko Mlaba.

The Hollywoodbets Dolphins, especially Nonkululeko Mlaba and Keshav Maharaj, were the big winners at the 2024/25 Cricket South Africa Awards on Thursday night.

The Proteas Women's left-arm spinner Mlaba was awarded some of the most prestigious awards on the night including the SA Women's Player of the Year, SA Women's Players' Player of the Year, Women's Best Delivery fuelled by KFC and the Women's T20 International Player of the Year.

Mlaba was ultimately seen as the best female cricketer in South Africa which is a huge achievement amongst a side that is full of super stars.

Dolphins Men's star Maharaj was also honoured with a hugely prestigious award. The veteran walked away with the SA Men's Player of the Year award on the evening.

From both a men's and women's perspectives the International Newcomer of the Year awards both went to Dolphins seamers. On the men's front Ottniel Baartman was awarded the prize while from a women's perspective it went to Ayanda Hlubi.

Following the Dolphins' strong domestic season there were a few awards that went to Dolphins stars.

The SACA Men's Most Valuable Player of the Year went to recent Proteas debutant Prenelan Subrayen. From a women's perspective, Dolphins captain Nondumiso Shangase was awarded the Women's Domestic Players' Player of the Year award.

Following their triumph in the CSA One Day Cup, Jon-Jon Smuts was given the award for Division 1 One Day Cup Player of the Year.

Another special award went to Sebastian Govender who was awarded the CSA Intellectually Impaired Cricket Player of the Year award.

KZN Cricket Union CEO Heinrich Strydom was full of praise for all the prize winners.

"We are incredibly proud of each and every winner from the Hollywoodbets Dolphins family," Strydom said. "All the hard work and dedication to your craft and commitment has paid off and you are all very worthy winners.

"It's fantastic to see our players being acknowledged as the best in the country and we are hugely encouraged by their efforts and hope that we can continue this in the new season.

"To Nonkululeko, winning four of the biggest awards is an incredible achievement and we couldn't be happier for you. The hard work put in off the field as well as your incredible discipline on the field has paid off.

"Keshav has been consistently one of the hardest working players in the country and to be recognised with such a prestigious award is a testament to his work ethic."