Photo Credit: Dolphins Cricket
The KZN Cricket Union is excited to announce the conclusion of its 32nd Annual General Meeting, an event marked by significant achievements.
This year’s AGM will be remembered as a special occasion that saw the KZN Cricket Union reinforce its commitment to diversity and excellence.
Breaking barriers and paving the way for gender equity in the world of cricket, the KZN Cricket Union appointed its first female Vice-President, Ms Busi Mbhele.
A distinguished and accomplished cricket administrator who has played an active role in cricket development as a club administrator, cricket district administrator, manager of various KZNCU girl’s teams and serves as an active member on KZNCU General Council as a representative for gender, transformation and demographics.
The President of KZN Cricket Union, Mr Yunus Bobat expressed his pride in the recent announcement of the Mbhele’s position.
“We are extremely pleased to welcome Ms Busi Mbhele as Vice-President of the KZN Cricket Union,” Bobat said. “We are confident that her expertise and passion for cricket will contribute significantly to the growth and development of cricket in our region.”
Financially the Union has managed to achieve yet another profitable financial year, whilst increasing its amateur footprint and improving its facilities. The Union’s financial position have improved significantly over the past few years through a constant increase in revenue and better management of expenses.
This financial achievement is even more significant when one considers the drastic increase in the cost of utilities, fuel and basic needs over the past few years.
“The Union’s holistic improvement over the last few years would not have been possible without our incredible partners who have played a direct role in our successes on and off the field,” KZN Cricket CEO Heinrich Strydom said after the AGM.
“Hollywoodbets have been simply phenomenal as naming rights partners for our main brands, the Hollywoodbets Dolphins and Hollywoodbets Kingsmead. They have also continued to add valuable support to all our activities including our Women’s team, HP program, DSE, hubs and Club Bash.
“The Union continues to showcase the brands of associate partners, Fourways, East Coast Radio and Sun International on our playing shirts and once again reaffirm that these relationships go well beyond the official partnerships
“All our other partners continue to make an impact in their respective areas, and we are very proud of being associated with each of them.”
Reflecting on the 2022/23 season, the Union recognized the Hollywoodbets Dolphins’ achievements in winning the CSA 4-Day Series for the second time in the last three years and reaching the CSA T20 Challenge final for the third year in a row.
The Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies side finished second overall in the CSA Women’s One-Day Provincial Cup which demonstrates the growth of the Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies team.
These achievements are testament to players and the coaching staff, and the Union is hoping that both teams can continue in a similar, if not more successful, vein in the 2023/24 campaign.
Beyond cricket, 2023 saw the famous Comrades Marathon finish return to Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium and the event once again showcased the venue as a multi-purpose space as nearly 15000 runners crossed the finish line on the hallowed turf of Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium.
“We are very proud of the Hollywoodbets Dolphins side and their achievements on the field during the previous season,” Bobat added. “The reality is that cricket Unions have to be as successful off the field as they are on it, and I want to commend the work done by our staff at the KZN Cricket Union.”
“From our CEO, Heinrich Strydom to all staff, the hard work and dedication that they have shown once again proves that we are heading in the right direction.”
“It will be another big, exciting season for our teams but also for Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium as we prepared to welcome Australia and India in the summer.
“As the 100 year celebrations of the first test match at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead continues, I hope we can take this momentum into the new season.”
The KZN Cricket Union continues to set the bar across the country in terms of administration and for CEO Strydom, he wants to continue this trend and continue to innovate.
“The Hollywoodbets Dolphins continue to produce brilliant results for us on the field and we continue to put emphasis on our Ladies’ teams and our junior cricket structures.
“Our pipeline continues to strengthen from the bottom up through our Dolphins School of Excellence tournaments and initiatives as we are eager to see our homegrown talent come through the system.”
“For Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium, this is a landmark year. We continue to celebrate this iconic cricketing cathedral with events throughout the year.”
The highlight for 2023 at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium will be the three T20 series against Australia that will take place exclusively in Durban and the T20 international against India.
“The team at the Stadium are working tirelessly to ensure that fans will have the best possible experience for each of the matches as we gear up for another exciting summer of cricket in Durban.” Strydom added.
