Photo Credit: Twitter Photo of @LionsCricketSA
A proud Pride: Lions Cricket celebrates their powerful pipeline and world-class professionals at the CSA Awards.
On 7 July 2023, CSA celebrated their summer at the annual CSA Awards. Packed with 18 #ThePrideOfJozi nominee’s the day and night was set for greatness for the City of Gold.
First up was the CSA Pathway Awards which honored the achievements and contributions throughout the various levels in the game.
Lions Cricket wasted no time in staking their claim, with both CSA u19 Player of the Year awards being handed to the Union’s promising youngers. First it was 17 year old, left arm medium bowler Kwena Maphaka who was named as the CSA U19 Men’s Player of the Year. That was followed by 15-year-old wicketkeeper sensation Karabo Meso – the CSA U19 Women’s Player of the Year.
“The fact that both the CSA u19 players don the Lions Cricket badge speaks to our powerful pipeline,” says Cricket Services Manager of Lions Cricket, Reuben Mandlazi. “With an increased focus and determination in this area of our cricket eco-system, Lions Cricket takes tremendous pride in our players delivering, being recognized and undoubtedly going on to greater things this season and beyond. We have an abundance of talent waiting in the wings, ready to pounce when called upon, and so I personally relish the seasons ahead for Lions Cricket and would like to congratulate and thank all those who delivered on the season that’s been.”
As night fell, the Pride set out on their successful hunt of the Professional Awards with Lions Cricket taking home the Men’s Test Player of the Year (Kagiso Rabada); Men’s One-Day International Player of the Year (Temba Bavuma) and Men’s T20 International Player of the Year (Reeza Hendricks). Lions Cricket also celebrated Ryan Rickelton scooping two awards and being named Division 1 One Day Cup Player of the Season and Domestic Players’ Player of the Season. It was fantastic to see the big smile and big heart of new pride member at the DP World Lions, Sinalo Jafta winning SA Fans Player of the Year. What a delivery we got to reflect back on as Kagiso Rabada also won ‘Best Delivery’ of the past season for his pitch-perfect leg cutter to Brathwaite in the first Test against West Indies in March.
Lions Cricket CEO Jono Leaf-Wright smiles;
“We had a solid representation of 18 nominee’s heading into these awards. To take home multiple top awards as we did, is testament to the remarkable players produced on field and even better people off it. Our players, our people, our partners work whilst others sleep; they live and breathe the game and proudly respect cricket and the privilege to play it. On behalf of our Board, I whole-heartedly congratulate every winner as well as all those who were nominated. I am really excited for the season ahead and to celebrate the successes of both Lions Cricket and the Protea’s on and off the field.”
Lions Cricket President Anne Vilas concludes;
“It warms the heart to see hard work come to fruition. Our players have performed admirably this last season and deserve such recognition. Congratulations to our winners, our nominee’s and indeed the entire Lions and Cricket South Africa family – may you enjoy your wins, learn from your losses and bring with you your talent, determination and love of the game next
season and beyond.”
Lions Cricket would like to congratulate all 2022/23 CSA Award nominee’s and winners; and thank all players, administrators and families who played a significant role this past season.
Lions Cricket CSA award winners:
Professional Awards:
Best Delivery: Kagiso Rabada (for his pitch-perfect leg cutter to Brathwaite in the first Test against West Indies in March)
Test Player of the Year: Kagiso Rabada
Men’s One-Day International Player of the Year: Temba Bavuma
Men’s T20 International Player of the Year: Reeza Hendricks
Division 1 One-Day Cup Player of the Season: Ryan Rickelton
Domestic Players’ Player of the Season: Ryan Rickelton
CSA Pathway Awards:
CSA U19 Women’s Player of the Year: Karabo Meso
CSA U19 Men’s Player of the Year: Kwena Maphaka
