JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) will shine the spotlight on the future custodians of the game when the 2025/26 CSA Pathway Awards take centre stage on 16 July at the Sandton Convention Centre, celebrating the individuals and programmes that continue to build cricket from the ground up.
Taking place ahead of the CSA Professional Awards, the Pathway Awards honour the unsung heroes, rising stars and dedicated contributors who continue to strengthen the game across schools, communities, rural areas, differently abled cricket, tertiary institutions and development structures nationwide.
From the first introduction to cricket through the KFC Mini-Cricket Coordinator and Coach of the Year awards that celebrate the individuals driving cricket participation and development at grassroots level, to the country’s elite youth pathways, the awards embody CSA’s commitment to creating opportunities and recognising excellence at every level of the game.
Rishi Ramsaer Nanan (KZN Inland), Teboho Serala (Lions) and Thea Lowe (Titans) will contest for the KFC Bucket Loads of Good Award, which honours an individual who makes a significant difference in the lives of Mini-Cricket kids and their communities, impacting lives beyond the field and inspiring South Africa’s future stars.
The Groundsman of the Year category once again recognises the crucial role played by curators in maintaining world-class playing surfaces throughout the season.
SuperSport Park’s Bryan Blooy, Louis Kruger at JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom and Braam Mong in WSB Newlands Cricket Ground have all been nominated for their outstanding work during the season.
CSA Executive for Domestic Cricket, David Mokopanele, commented:
“The CSA Pathway Awards are an important reminder that the success of South African cricket begins long before players reach the international stage. These awards celebrate the young cricketers, coaches, educators, volunteers, support staff and partners who continue to invest in the growth and future of the game across all corners of the country.
“Our pathway structures remain critical in ensuring that cricket continues to create opportunities, transform lives and inspire the next generation of Proteas. We are proud to celebrate the individuals and programmes that continue to strengthen the foundation of South African cricket.”
The Pathway Awards ceremony will be streamed live on the CSA App at 9AM ahead of the evening’s CSA Professional Awards, which will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
Among the categories to be presented on the day are:
- KFC Mini-Cricket Coach of the Year
- Tlhome Malebo (Free State)
- Hilda Ntombomzi Poto (Eastern Province Cricket)
- Basheera Mayet (Easterns)
- Dalynn Pietersen (Boland)
- KFC Mini-Cricket Coordinator of the Year
- Joseph Ngqasa (Kei Cricket)
- Nation Ntlame (North West)
- Relebohile Ntikane (Free State)
- Ofentse Ranoto (Titans)
- Bongani Gwamanda (KZN Inland)
- KFC Bucket Loads of Good Award
- Rishi Ramsaer Nanan (KZN Inland)
- Teboho Serala (Lions)
- Thea Lowe (Titans)
- CSA Blind Cricketer of the Year
- Max Geerthsen (North West Dragons Blind Cricket)
- Lesedi Lesufi (Titans Blind Cricket)
- Lwande Bhidla (DP World Lions Blind Cricket)
- Groundsman of the Year
- Braam Mong (WSB Newlands Cricket Ground)
- Louis Kruger (JB Marks Oval)
- Bryan Blooy (SuperSport Park)
- CSA U19 Men’s Player of the Year
- Jorich van Schalkwyk
- Jason Rowles
- Hubs Coach of the Year
- CSA Scorers Association of the Year
- CSA Learners with Special Education Needs Player of the Tournament
- CSA Intellectually Impaired Cricket Player of the Year
- CSA Deaf Cricketer of the Year
- CSA Veteran’s Cricketer of the Year
- CSA Rural Cricket Player of the Year
- CSA Club Championship Player of the Tournament
- CSA Men’s T20 Community Cup Player of the Tournament
- Schools SA20 Boys Player of the Tournament
- Schools SA20 Girls Player of the Tournament
- CSA Boys U16 Player of the Tournament
- CSA Girls U16 Player of the Tournament
- Khaya Majola Cricket Week Player of the Tournament
- CSA Girls U19 Player of the Tournament
- CSA Student Player of the Year
- CSA Women’s Provincial Player of the Year
Source: cricket.co.za
Howard Johnson – A former cricketer, Howard Johnson played a significant role in promoting cricket in the USA. His contributions to the sport have been invaluable.
German Coach
The Rugby World Cup is held every four years and is the premier international rugby union competition. The inaugural tournament took place in 1987, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand. Since then, the competition has grown significantly in size and popularity.
Digger
New Zealand’s national rugby team, the All Blacks, pay homage to their Maori heritage by performing a captivating war dance called the ‘Haka’ before each game. This ritual not only energizes the team but also showcases the rich cultural traditions of New Zealand’s indigenous people.