Cricket South Africa (CSA) celebrated the achievements and contributions within development cricket through the CSA Pathway Awards on Thursday Morning.
The Pathway Awards are dedicated to recognising excellence at various levels that contribute to the growth of cricket in the country.
SA U19 Men’s star, Kwena Maphaka, was named CSA U19 Player of the Year following his outstanding performances at the ICC U19 Men’s World Cup earlier this year.
Maphaka’s continued rise is a testament to his talent and dedication, having also been awarded the CSA Boys U16 Player of the Tournament last year after an impressive run at the three National Weeks: CSA Boys U16 Week, CSA U19 Khaya Majola Week, and the CSA Cubs Week.
The awards also highlighted the exceptional work being done at the grassroots level through the KFC Mini-Cricket program, which plays a critical role in developing young talent.
Mfaniseni Hadedbe from KZN Inland and KEI’s Zimbini Mkhutyukelwa were named joint winners for KFC Mini-Cricket Coach of the Year. This award is presented to a coach who consistently contributes to the cricket pipeline year after year, going above and beyond to nurture and develop young players.
The KFC Mini-Cricket Coordinator of the Year was awarded to Nation Ntlame from North West, who takes the award for the third time, recognising the vital role played by coordinators who ensure the smooth functioning of the Mini-Cricket structure at the provincial level.
Lions’ Rebecca Maloka walked away with the KFC Bucket Loads of Good Award which honours an individual who makes a significant difference in the lives of Mini-Cricket kids and their communities, impacting lives beyond the field and inspiring South Africa’s future stars.
“The CSA Pathway Awards are about more than just celebrating individual successes; they’re about acknowledging the collective effort that drives the growth and vitality of cricket in South Africa,” said Edward Khoza, CSA Head of Cricket Pathways.
“These awards highlight not only exceptional performances but also the dedication, sportsmanship, and commitment to grassroots development that form the foundation of our sport. By recognising these contributions, we aim to inspire others to pursue excellence and strengthen the pathway for future generations,” he continued.
“To all our winners, your resilience and passion for the game are what unite and uplift our cricketing community. Congratulations on your well-deserved achievements,” Khoza concluded.
The CSA Pathway Awards continue to be a cornerstone in CSA’s mission to foster an inclusive, accessible, and excellent cricketing environment, celebrating those who contribute to the sport’s development and success in South Africa.
CSA PATHWAY AWARDS WINNERS 2023/24
KFC MINI-CRICKET COACH OF THE YEAR –Mfaniseni Hadebe (KZN Inland) + Zimbini Mkhutyukelwa (KEI) – Joint Winners
KFC MINI-CRICKET COORDINATOR OF THE YEAR
Nation Ntlame (North West)
KFC BUCKET LOADS OF GOOD AWARD
Rebecca Maloka (Lions)
CSA BOYS U16 PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT
Cayden Wilson (Easten Province)
CSA GIRLS U16 PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT
Neo Molefe (Lions)
CSA LEARNERS WITH SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT
Kamogelo Matlala (Lions)
CSA GIRLS U19 PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT
Jemma Botha (Western Province)
KHAYA MAJOLA CRICKET WEEK PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT
Hayden Bishop (Dolphins)
CSA WOMEN’S CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT
Angelique Taai (DHSOB-Dolphins)
CSA MEN’S CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT
David Christie (Stellenbosch University – Boland)
CSA U19 MEN’S PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Kwena Maphaka (Lions)
CSA VISUALLY IMPAIRED CRICKET PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Buhle Bhidla (Lions)
CSA HEARING IMPAIRED CRICKET PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Colin Venter (IPT + national team captain)
CSA INTELLECTUALLY IMPAIRED PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Keelan Dorasamy
CSA RURAL CRICKET PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Francios van Rooyen (Free State)
T20 COMMUNITY CUP PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT
Robbie Frylinck (Hollywood Crusaders – Dolphins)
CSA STUDENT PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Maahir Joseph (Stellenbosch University – Boland)
CSA HUBS COACH OF THE YEAR
Lerato Malesa (Titans) + Elridge Booysen (SWD) – Joint Winners
CSA FAIRPLAY AWARD
Hollywoodbets Dolphins
CSA SCORERS’ ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR
KZN Coastal (Dolphins)
CSA GROUNDSMAN OF THE YEAR
Martin Tlhake – Free State (Mangaung Oval)
CSA VETERANS CRICKETER OF THE YEAR
Lundi Mbane – Border (Over 40s)
CSA WOMEN’S PROVINCIAL PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Jana Nell (Eastern Province)
