KZN Cricket marks a successful 2024/25 season

Following a successful AGM on Friday evening, the KwaZulu-Natal Cricket Union’s 2025/26 Manco was finalised. Back row from the left: Kugan Subrayen (Vice-President), Thahir Fakir (Independent Member), Prof Logan Naidoo (PTY Board Member), Heinrich Strydom (CEO), Linda Zondi (Non-Independent Member), Yunus Bobat (President), Sihle Sibiya (Independent Member). Front row from left: Asif Essop (Non-Independent Member), Fatima Khan (Independent Member), Zintle Ndlovu (Independent Member), Feroza Asmall (Lead Independent Member), Busi Mbhele (Vice-President), Chris Govender (Non-Independent Member).

The KZN Cricket Union successfully hosted its 34th Annual General Meeting on Friday evening, reflecting on a highly successful 2024/25 season and ushering in a renewed ambition for the season ahead with limited changes to the good governance in place.

The KZN Cricket Union continues to thrive with strong financial results backed up by an unqualified audit report. The overall financial position continues to strengthen through to the optimisation of resources. The statement of financial position paints a positive picture with upgrades to the value of R5-million undertaken in the last financial year and a steady increase in cash reserves, in line with policy.

At the beginning of the year the approved zero-based budget reflected a breakeven financial position, which moved into a profit position of R2.8m through various initiatives. This profit for the year shows a 10% increase on the previous financial year’s results.

On the field the Hollywoodbets Dolphins continued to shine and it was the men's side that led the way with a dramatic recovery in the CSA One-Day Cup to go unbeaten in their final six matches to be crowned One-Day Cup Champions.

The KZN Cricket Union's pipeline continued to produce national representatives and the Hollywoodbets Dolphins produced eleven Proteas representatives this past season.

An absolute highlight was the recognition received at the recent CSA Awards where the Dolphins and KZN Cricket accounted for eleven awards. Four of these going to Dolphins Women's star Nonkululeko Mlaba. Her awards included 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.

Dolphins and Proteas men's star Keshav Maharaj made it a special double for the Dolphins when he joined his fellow left-arm spinner by picking up the prestigious SA Men's Player of the Year award.

Particularly pleasing was the fact that not only did Dolphins players account for the main awards but also the international newcomer awards for the year through Ottniel Baartman and Ayanda Hlubi.

CEO of KZN Cricket Heinrich Strydom reflected with pride on what was another exciting year for the union both on and off the field.

“When I reflect on the past season, I am filled with enormous gratitude to all those that plays a role in the holistic success of this proud affiliate. The trophies and accolades are merely a reflection of the work that happens behind the scenes, and for that I acknowledge every single person that forms of part of this Dolphins family,” Strydom said.

"Our Hollywoodbets Dolphins Men's team showcased the heart of true champions this year with a sensational come back in the One-Day Cup. From a slow start to silverware, they reminded us that belief, teamwork and resilience are the ultimate ingredients for success.

"Equally our Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies side continues to rise in stature making us proud with top three finishes in both formats.

"Beyond the results, what fills me with immense pride is the growth in this space. The growth of players skillsets, in team culture and in the bold leadership that is shaping a powerful future for ladies’ cricket in our province.

“None of this would have been possible without the incredible support from our partners, especially Hollywoodbets who are more than just naming rights partners for our Stadium and Teams – they also play an incredibly important role in making our game accessible in all communities across our Province.

“To all our Associate partners including Alliance, East Coast Radio, Sun International, Sunfoil, KZN Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, Castle, Coca-Cola, Durban Tourism, Hirsch’s, Mount Edgecombe Country Club, Macron – we extend our heartfelt gratitude to you for your support that helps us keep alive the dreams of our cricketers across the province.”

One of the few changes in the governance space is the departure of Daniel Govender who has completed his second term as Vice-President of the union.

Govender served as the President of the KZN Cricket Union in 2020-21 and he was also a member of the Cricket South Africa board and a crucial part of cricket development in the Tongaat region.

The dedicated commitment from both Govender and fellow Vice-President Busi Mbhele were celebrated with the handover of the Kingsmead Celebration Blazer to both.

"A special thanks must be made to our Vice-President, Daniel Govender, whose term concludes at the AGM," President of the KZN Cricket Union Yunus Bobat said. "Daniel has served KZN Cricket and the CSA board with deep integrity, dedication and an unwavering commitment to transformation and good governance.

The vice-president position will now be filled by current President of the eThekwini Metro Cricket Union, Kugan Subrayen.

Subrayen is a recently retired school principal and has a wealth of knowledge on the game and has been very active in the development of youth cricket in Verulam and across Durban.

Another person who has completed her term is Ntokozo Mkhize. Mkhize served as an Independent Member on the board where she was chairperson of the HR & Remuneration Committee.

"On behalf of the KZNCU I would like to extend our sincere appreciation to our independent member, Ntokozo Mkhize, for her outstanding service," Bobat added. "Her dedication, professionalism and commitment have significantly contributed to the growth and well-being of our organisation."

Following due process, Advocate Fathima Khan, has been recommended and accepted as a new independent member. She brings a unique skillset that will add significant value to the space.

As we look towards the future, Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium will continue to undergo some exciting upgrades most notably in the form of floodlights and a state-of-the-art big screen. In line with our strategy to use our Winter weather as a competitive advantage there are a few major events on the horizon.

The Hollywoodbets Dolphins will host the Hollywoodbets Sharks in the Fin Cup, a T20 clash between the two sides, then Kingsmead will play host to the Hollywoodbets 10km race and just to really show off the ground’s versatility, Stadium Golf will take place in September as the iconic Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium will be converted into an 18-hole golf course.

2025/26 will present another wonderful opportunity to grow our game and to ultimately leave cricket in a better space than what we found it in.