CSA Awards nominations announced. Cricket South Africa (CSA) is excited to announce the nominees for the highly anticipated annual CSA Awards set to take place on 5th September 2024 at Vodaworld in Midrand. This event serves as a highlight of the South African cricket calendar, bringing together the nation’s top cricket talent to celebrate their contributions and performances over the past season.
Themed “The Art of Cricket,” this year’s CSA Awards will focus on the passion, artistry, and athleticism that drive the sport. The campaign titled “Be Part Of It” emphasizes the inclusivity of cricket and the deep connection it shares with fans across South Africa. The awards will be broadcast live on SuperSport, allowing millions of fans to participate in the celebration.
Prestigious CSA Awards Nominations for 2024
This year’s CSA Awards features a stellar lineup of nominees, with cricketers recognized for their remarkable performances in both domestic and international arenas. The highlight of the evening will be the announcement of the Men’s Player of the Year and Women’s Player of the Year, which recognize the best male and female cricketers of the year.
For the Men’s Player of the Year award, the nominees are:
- Gerald Coetzee
- Marco Jansen
- Quinton de Kock
- Keshav Maharaj
- Kagiso Rabada
On the women’s side, the Women’s Player of the Year nominees include:
- Nadine de Klerk
- Marizanne Kapp
- Masabata Klaas
- Laura Wolvaardt
These cricketers have excelled throughout the 2023/2024 season, showcasing incredible skills, resilience, and passion. Their nominations highlight their contributions to keeping South African cricket alive and thriving.
Domestic Cricket
In addition to honoring international cricket achievements, the CSA Awards will also focus on domestic cricket, particularly the Division 1 and Division 2 competitions. The standout performers from the domestic scene are acknowledged for their pivotal roles in developing and sustaining cricket at the grassroots level. This year, domestic cricket has seen significant improvements, especially in women’s cricket, thanks to its professionalization into a top-tier Division 1 competition.
The introduction of new categories for women’s domestic cricket has been a significant step forward. The nominees for the Women’s Domestic Newcomer of the Season include Julia Hoal and Tabitha la Grange from the Six Gun Grill Garden Route Badgers, while Tazmin Brits has been nominated for Women’s Division 1 One-Day and T20 Player of the Season. Brits had an exceptional season and was also the winner of both categories last season.
Judges and Selection Process
A panel of distinguished judges selected this year’s nominees. The judging panel included prominent figures such as Crystal Arnold, Firdose Moonda, Patrick Moroney, Ashwell Prince, and Khanyiso Tshwaku, with key statistical input from Andrew Samson. Their task was to ensure that the top performers in both domestic and international cricket were fairly and accurately recognized.
Pathway Awards
Earlier in the day, before the main CSA Awards event, the Pathway Awards will take place, recognizing age-group cricketers, coaches, and administrators who have played a crucial role in developing the sport across South Africa. These awards are an essential part of the cricket ecosystem as they celebrate the pipeline of talent that ensures the future of South African cricket remains strong.
CSA Awards Festivities
The CSA Awards is not just about the ceremony itself. The day before the event, on 4th September 2024, an annual golf day will be held at the Soweto Golf Club. This will be followed by a KFC Mini-Cricket Community activation event, also in Soweto, which will allow young aspiring cricketers to engage with their cricketing heroes.
CSA CEO Pholetsi Moseki Statement
CSA CEO Pholetsi Moseki expressed his enthusiasm for the event, emphasizing its importance in recognizing the outstanding performances of players throughout the season. Moseki stated:
“The CSA Awards are a highlight of our cricketing calendar. They provide us with a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the immense talent and dedication of our players, both at the domestic and international levels. The introduction of new categories for women’s domestic cricket is a significant step forward in our commitment to promoting and professionalizing the women’s game. We are proud to recognize the outstanding performances of our female cricketers who continue to inspire the next generation.”
Moseki concluded with a message of inclusivity, noting that the “Be Part Of It” campaign embodies the collective nature of cricket. He said, “You are part of it. The game. The action. The conversation. The team. The story. The Art of Cricket.”
CSA Pathway Awards 2024
The Pathway Awards represent a vital part of the day’s celebrations, focusing on recognizing young and emerging cricketers, coaches, and other stakeholders who are the bedrock of South Africa’s cricket future. These awards acknowledge contributions made by individuals and teams across age-group levels.
Nominees include:
- CSA Boys U16 Player of the Tournament: Joof Enslin
- CSA Girls U16 Player of the Tournament: Fay Cowling
- CSA Girls U19 Player of the Tournament: Jemma Botha
These players have shown exceptional talent at a young age and are poised to become the future stars of South African cricket.
Domestic Cricket Categories
The CSA Awards also recognize outstanding achievements in the domestic cricket scene. Categories include Division 1 and Division 2 Coach of the Year, T20 Challenge Player of the Season, One-Day Cup Player of the Season, and Four-Day Domestic Series Player of the Season.
Key nominees for domestic awards include:
- Blayde Capell for Division 2 Four-Day Domestic Series Player of the Season, thanks to his stellar performance with the bat.
- Tazmin Brits, who is nominated in both the Women’s Division 1 T20 Player of the Season and Women’s Division 1 One-Day Player of the Season categories, following another exceptional season.
International Cricket Categories
International cricket awards will honor South African cricketers who have made a significant impact on the global stage. Nominees for the Men’s T20 International Player of the Year include:
- Gerald Coetzee
- Reeza Hendricks
- Aiden Markram
- Lizaad Williams
For the Men’s One-Day International Player of the Year, standout performances from players such as Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Marco Jansen, and Keshav Maharaj have earned them nominations.
On the women’s side, nominees for Women’s T20 International Player of the Year include:
- Tazmin Brits
- Nadine de Klerk
- Masabata Klaas
- Laura Wolvaardt
Notable Achievements of the Season
The 2023/2024 cricket season was marked by several key achievements for South African cricket. The Proteas Men reached the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023 in India, while the Proteas Women saw a strong performance under the leadership of Laura Wolvaardt in her debut season as captain across all formats.
Additionally, CSA successfully hosted the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2024, where the junior Proteas secured a semi-final finish, cementing South Africa’s place as a leading cricketing nation.
Celebrating the Best Delivery of the Season
Another exciting category introduced in the CSA Awards is the Best Delivery of the Season. Some of the most thrilling moments in cricket have come from exceptional deliveries, and this category seeks to honor those moments of brilliance.
Nominees for Best Delivery include:
- Gerald Coetzee for his wicket against Alex Carey during the SA vs AUS 1st ODI on 7 September 2023.
- Marizanne Kapp for her wicket against Beth Mooney during AUS vs SA on 7 February 2024.
These deliveries were pivotal moments in their respective matches and are a testament to the bowlers’ skill and precision.
Fans Get to Vote for Their Favorite Players
The SA Fans’ Player of the Year award allows cricket fans to vote for their favorite cricketers. Nominees include Tazmin Brits, Gerald Coetzee, Tony de Zorzi, Kagiso Rabada, and Laura Wolvaardt. Fans can cast their votes online or via USSD by dialing *120*32020# to show their support for their favorite players.
Conclusion
The CSA Awards 2024 promises to be an unforgettable celebration of South African cricket, honoring the top performers of the past season. From recognizing the best international players to celebrating the stars of domestic cricket, the awards ceremony will showcase the talent, hard work, and dedication that makes South African cricket a force to be reckoned with. With a rich history and bright future, cricket in South Africa continues to inspire, and the CSA Awards is the perfect platform to celebrate the beauty and artistry of the game.
