Cricket South Africa (CSA) had their annual awards ceremony virtually last night, to honour the country’s top achievers over the 2021/22 season. It was a memorable evening for Keshav Maharaj and Ayabonga Khaka. The two Protea bowlers were named the SA Men’s and SA Women’s Cricketer of the Year.
Their teammates also favoured the dynamic duo, with both named SA Men’s and Women’s Players’ Player of the Year.
Kagiso Rabada, Aiden Markram and Janneman Malan also walked away with something special to put on their mantle. Rabada was named Test Player of the Year, Markram the T20 International Player of the Year, while Malan picked up the One-Day International Player of the Year.
SA WOMEN'S PLAYER OF THE YEAR🏆
A splendid season where she did all her talking with the ball – claiming a maiden ODI 5-wicket haul and being a consistent threat whenever she stepped onto the field.
The 2021/2022 award goes to AYABONGA KHAKA 🇿🇦#CSAawards2022 pic.twitter.com/EB1mg4PSOT
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) August 14, 2022
The Women’s players to walk away with the awards were Lizelle Lee and Laura Wolvaardt. Lee is the Momentum Women’s T20 International Player of the Year. While Wolvaardt was the Momentum Women’s One-Day Player of the Year.
David Miller, who delighted spectators with his electric performances this year, walked away with the SA Fan’s Player of the Year.
SA FANS' PLAYER OF THE YEAR🏆
The votes have been tallied and it was a tight race. However, the fans have made their voices heard and have chosen David Miller🗳️#CSAawards2022 pic.twitter.com/EDPMZqiRTY
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) August 14, 2022
Marco Jansen is the International Newcomer of the Year and Mitchell van Buuren is the Domestic Newcomer of the Season.
The Makhaya Ntini Power of Cricket Award went to Nonkululeko Mlaba. The award celebrates the perseverance, passion and overwhelming pride of people who have used their talent to change their circumstances.
Magala Makes Magic
On the domestic front, Sisanda Magala was the night’s biggest winner. He bagged himself three awards.
DOMESTIC PLAYERS' PLAYER OF THE YEAR🏆
An award voted for by the domestic players, it carries prestige as an acknowledgement by your peers.
A third award of the evening for Sisanda Magala 👏#CSAawards2022 pic.twitter.com/Y4DAlBdVFX
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) August 14, 2022
Magala won the Division 1 One-Day Cup Player of the Season, Domestic Players’ Player of the Season, and the SACA Most Valuable Player Award.
“I warmly congratulate our winners in all international, domestic, and amateur levels,” said CSA CEO Pholetsi Moseki.
“The players have endured a lot during the past two years as the COVID-19 pandemic challenged the conditions of our game. Our team’s tenacity is seen in the improvement of our national teams and the opportunities that our pipeline continues to provide nationwide.
“A big thank you to our umpires, grounds staff and scorers, who ensured that CSA delivers another fantastic season.”
Other winners at the 2021/22 CSA Awards include;
Rilee Rossouw – T20 Knock Out Competition Player of the Tournament
Pieter Malan – T20 Challenge Player of the Season
Ryan Rickleton – Division 1 4-Day Domestic Series Player of the Season
Allahudien Paleker – CSA Umpire of the Year
Read More: Netball World Cup 2023: Another mural unveiled, grassroots Netball receives a boost