CSA Annual Awards: Laura Wolvaardt, Marco Jansen bag top honors
Laura Wolvaardt, the captain of South Africa's women's cricket team, emerged as the star at the Cricket South Africa (CSA) Annual Awards. She bagged five prestigious awards including Women's Player of the Year for her exceptional performance in the 2023-24 season. In addition to leading her team, Wolvaardt was also recognized as South Africa's top run-scorer in both ODIs and T20Is during this period.
Wolvaardt's multiple accolades at CSA Annual Awards
Wolvaardt's impressive performance earned her the titles of Women's ODI Player of the Year and Women's T20I Player of the Year. Her popularity among teammates and fans was evident as she also won the Players's Player of the Year and Fans's Player of the Year awards. These recognitions underscore her significant contribution to South African women's cricket during this period.
Marco Jansen named Men's Player of the Year
Meanwhile, all-rounder Marco Jansen was honored as the Men's Player of the Year, acknowledging his all-round contributions to South African cricket. His notable achievements included taking 17 wickets at the ODI World Cup and delivering strong performances in both batting and bowling during the Boxing Day Test against India. The awards ceremony recognized performances from May 1, 2023, to April 30, 2024.
David Bedingham and Quinton de Kock receive recognition
Despite SA playing only four Tests during the award period, David Bedingham's performances were acknowledged. He scored 56 on debut against India and delivered strong second-inning knocks in New Zealand with scores of 87 and 110. Bedingham was named the International Newcomer of the Year and Men's Test Player of the Year. In white-ball formats, retired cricketer Quinton de Kock was honored as the ODI Player of the Year following his four centuries at the 2023 World Cup.
Reeza Hendricks and Keshav Maharaj's notable performances
Reeza Hendricks was named the T20I Player of the Year following his strong performances in the season. Keshav Maharaj, who made an early comeback from an Achilles rupture to play at the ODI World Cup, was voted by his peers as the Players's Player of the Year. These recognitions highlight their significant contributions to South African cricket.
Marizanne Kapp and Masabata Klaas win special awards
Two other significant awards were won by female internationals: Marizanne Kapp's inswinger that bowled Beth Mooney in South Africa's first ODI win over Australia was judged the best ball of the season. Masabata Klaas was acknowledged with the Makhaya Ntini Power of Cricket Award for her resilience in carving out a cricket career despite personal challenges.
