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SACA Celebrates Tony Irish on Receiving the Prestigious Tim May Medal of Honour

The South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) is proud to celebrate its founder and former CEO, Tony Irish, who received the…

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Kyle Simmonds Crowned Overall Division 1 SACA MVP

The 2025/26 domestic cricket season concludes with Western Province all-rounder Kyle Simmonds named Division 1 Overall SACA MVP. Simmonds earned…

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Liam Alder Named Overall SACA MVP for Domestic Division 2

Following the completion of all domestic fixtures, Liam Alder of the Garden Route Badgers finished at the top of the…

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2024/25 SACA MVP season kicks off

The anticipation is building as the domestic cricket season kicks off the start of the 2024/25 domestic SACA MVP race with the Lions taking on the Titans in Johannesburg.

With a host of talented players vying for the coveted title, fans can expect a thrilling campaign filled with exciting matches and high-stakes performances.

“The SACA MVP rankings are a testament to consistent, high-quality performances throughout the season. They reflect each individual player’s ability to contribute to their team’s success in a variety of conditions.

“With fewer matches, each game takes on even greater significance for each team. It will be that much more important for players to perform at our best in every game. Consistency will be key to our success this season,” commented Khaya Zondo, SACA President.

The domestic SACA MVP is a unique algorithm developed by the SACA and is administered by Andrew Samson in order to identify the most effective performers in domestic cricket.

The formula is designed to recognize players who make a significant contribution to their team’s success throughout the season. Factors such as batting and bowling averages, strike rates, and overall impact on the game are all taken into consideration. The MVP is a combination of statistical performance to determine the most valuable player at the end of the season.

Supporters and media alike can immerse themselves in the MVP Rankings on the SACA website and can be viewed by team or format. Fans can also track the rankings after each round of matches to see how their favourite domestic players are performing and gain an objective reflection of the top-performing players after each round of matches.

“We are looking forward to another great season of cricket as the new season gets underway. We would like to wish all the players the best of luck and look forward to a season filled with exciting matches and unforgettable moments” concluded SACA CEO, Andrew Breetzke.

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SACA Launches Proteas MVP

SACA is proud to announce the launch of the Proteas MVP for Men and Women. Over the past decade, SACA has managed the SACA MVP for domestic cricketers, and the Proteas MVP will be managed alongside the domestic MVP.

In launching the Proteas MVP, SACA is partnering with CricViz, the world’s leading cricket data specialist, to be able to provide real-time post-match MVP statistics for the Proteas Men and Women.

The CricViz model is comprehensive and ranks player batting, bowling and fielding performances on a single scale measured in runs. Venue-specific elements that impact the progress of a match, such as average runs scored, wickets taken, and the nature of the pitch are taken into consideration. One of the many advantages of this MVP model is that points are allocated based on the context of the match during different phases and situations in that match. Furthermore, player points are graded, for each discipline, based on the effect the player’s performance has on the final outcome of a match.

“The domestic MVP has always been popular with players, and it is our hope that the Proteas MVP will provide players and fans alike with a statistical analysis that is accurate, interesting and enhances interest in our wonderful game” commented Andrew Breetzke, SACA CEO.

Proteas Test and ODI captain Temba Bavuma noted; “Given the volume of international cricket across the various formats, the Proteas MVP will provide an objective measure of performance. Cricket has always been a game of statistics; it will be great to focus the statistics on the actual performance of players.”

“MVP programmes for women have lagged behind those of the men, so this is a welcome addition for the women, and will add to the interest and growth of our game,” added Laura Wolvaardt, Proteas Women captain.

As at 30 August, the MVP Rankings across the formats played this season (commencing 1 June 2024) are as follows:

Overall Rankings
Proteas Men MVP – T20 World Cup stats

These rankings will be updated after each match played by the respective Proteas teams.

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ECB AND CSA ANNOUNCE ITINERARIES FOR PROTEAS AND SA ‘A’ 2017 TOURS TO ENGLAND

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and Cricket South Africa (CSA) today announced the itineraries for the Standard Bank Proteas and the South Africa ‘A’ tours of Britain in 2017.

The Proteas will play four Test matches, three One-Day Internationals and three T20 International matches against England while South Africa ‘A’ will play three ‘A’ 50 overs matches against the England Lions as well as one ‘A’ four-day match.

The ICC Champions Trophy Tournament, which is also in England during June 2017, will take place between the Proteas’ one-day and T20 series against England.

“This is going to be both an exciting and challenging time for our Proteas,” commented CSA Chief Executive, Haroon Lorgat. “Test matches in England are always special and, together with the ECB, we have agreed a schedule that gives us a good chance to prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy. We can all anticipate some thrilling cricket in 2017.

“By having South Africa ‘A’ touring England at the same time, we can take full advantage of making sure that all our players are exposed to English conditions and ready for any call up.

“By announcing these fixtures well in advance we are hoping that our loyal fans will travel to support our Proteas in England,” concluded Mr. Lorgat.

ECB Chief Executive Officer Tom Harrison commented: “With England also hosting the ICC Champions Trophy and the ICC Women’s World Cup next season in addition to the two South African men’s tours as well as the West Indies, 2017 promises to be a hugely exciting summer of cricket – and a strong platform to promote our sport to an even wider and more diverse audience.”

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FICA RESPONDS TO ICC COMMENTS ON WORKSHOP ON BILATERAL INTERNATIONAL CRICKET

The Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA) today responded to ICC comments on the Workshop on Bilateral International Cricket in Dubai, and the ICC’s confirmation on the failure to come to agreement on a workable Test league.

“Whilst we await full details of the outcomes of the meetings at the ICC, and the reasons for various proposals not being taken forward, it would be disappointing if the concept of Test leagues or other similar workable structures were shelved so early in this process.” FICA Executive Chairman, Tony Irish said.

“We look forward to confirmation of plans regarding the future of all three international formats, and continue to urge the ICC to explore all options in relation to a new structure for international cricket. We also look forward to that structure working alongside, and not competing with domestic T20 leagues. ”

“We remain concerned about the rising trend towards free agency in the current system, and the impact it will have on the global game. The growth, success and expansion of domestic T20 leagues is good for the game and for players, but bilateral international cricket is not moving with the times and is increasingly becoming an unattractive product.”

FICA remains committed to advocating for a more coherent and clear global cricket structure for fans, players and broadcasters, and one that is based on global, not regional or country interests.

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FICA RESPONDS TO THE OUTCOMES OF ICC BOARD AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS

 The Federation of International Cricketers’ Associations (FICA) today responded to the outcomes of the recent ICC Board and Committee meetings which took place in Dubai from 1st to 3rd February 2016.

 

Governance

 

“We are encouraged by what appears to be a new direction coming from the ICC,” said Tony Irish, FICA’s Executive Chairman.  “The announcement of a review of its constitution and governance structures with the stated intention that it wishes to avoid potential conflicts of interest and follow best practice principles of good governance has to be a step in the right direction.  We hope that this will translate into the ICC prioritising the long-term global interests of the game ahead of the immediate interests of its most powerful members.  We note and support Mr Manohar’s statement that no member of the ICC is bigger than any other.”

 

These sentiments are in line with FICA’s guiding principles, published in March 2015*, which advocate for universally accepted principles of good governance.  These include:

 

  • High quality, innovative and strategic leadership
  • Independent directors with democratic, equal voting rights for all
  • Clear and transparent structures, decision-making processes and financial reporting
  • Meaningful representation for the game’s stakeholders, including the players, in all relevant decision-making processes
  • A considered, meaningful and published global development strategy for the game

 

“Decisions made in February 2014 which effectively promoted the interests of three countries were fundamentally wrong for the global game and it now seems to us that the new leadership at the ICC is prepared to revisit some of this.  Good decision making across the game will flow from a meritocratic governance structure” Irish continued.

 

Structure of Cricket

 

“FICA also welcomes the ICC’s move to seriously address the future structure and scheduling of international and domestic cricket, and to build a clearer global cricket calendar with greater context.  As the world players’ federation we have advocated for this review for some time and we note the ICC’s comments that its process will include player representatives.  We believe players should be integrally involved in building a better and clearer global cricketing market” Irish said.

 

In the wake of the Lodha Committee recommendations last month, including the recommendation for the formation of an Indian Players’ Association, FICA hopes that players from all countries will be empowered to be central to decision making regarding the structure of the game.

 

“The game is currently faced with choices.  Players, fans and broadcasters are all faced with choice as to where and what formats they play, what they invest in and what they watch.  The global cricket economy has changed, and the labour market has changed for players” Irish continued.

 

Former South African captain and FICA player advisor, Graeme Smith added that “there is a conflict within players around the world under the current structure.  The game has a great opportunity to provide clear global direction in relation to its structure, and must find a way to give meaning to each game.  Every match must matter.”

 

FICA’s principles promote a clear and consistent position within the cricketing calendar for all current and future recognised leagues and competitions, especially domestic T20 leagues.  This necessitates clarity and consistency in delivery, administration and regulation.  FICA believes the international cricket structure should not be governed entirely by short-term financial considerations and must take into account the volume and context of cricket, player workload and a balance of the formats of the game.  Critically, it must also have a structure that provides clear sporting narrative to players and the cricket public.

 

FICA President, and former West Indian cricketer, Jimmy Adams said that “players must be viewed not just as the means of production, but as key stakeholders in the game’s decision-making processes.”

 

Integrity

 

FICA also welcomes the appointment of an anti-corruption oversight group designed to have independent input into tackling corruption, as a further positive step.  “FICA advocates for proportionate, reasonable and effective anti-corruption measures agreed in consultation with the stakeholders to whom they apply, and applicable to players and officials alike.  Defence against threats posed by corruption are best achieved by engaging, educating and empowering all stakeholders, including the players” Irish said.

 

Health, Safety and Security

 

Following the release of the FICA Health, Safety and Security report in 2015, FICA continues to advocate for the game to have structured and agreed processes in relation to health, safety and security at a global level, to ensure that players and officials are provided with a world class working environment.

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“My experience with the Player Plus programme has really been a good one” – JP Duminy

Key Proteas player. SACA President. Husband. Father. JP Duminy has many elements to his life that he needs to balance. Having identified the need for personal development and plan for life after cricket, he recently added ‘student’ to that list too…

At only 31 and a key player in all three formats for the Proteas, JP Duminy could conceivably delay post-cricket thoughts for a few years still. Instead he has decided to lay the foundation for life after cricket during his playing career, to ensure a smooth transition.

“I guess I’m in a stage of my life now where I’m sort of looking at post cricket as well, and that is where the Player Plus programme has come into play and obviously SACA has been a huge influence in that,” says the current SACA President.

As it is, Duminy, being an elegant batsman who can also hit the ball big; a wicket-threatening off-spinner and agile fielder will have opportunities to extend his career post-Proteas if this was the route he wished to take. However, having that option hasn’t stopped him identifying what he wants to pursue in life when he does pack up his kit bag for the last time.

“My passion lies in dealing with people. I’m involved in one or two charities which is something I’d like to pursue further and I’ve also done a sports psychology course – working with sports psychologists has always intrigued me considering the sport I play. So I definitely want to help young cricketers come through from a mental side and it’s definitely something I will look into.”

Duminy didn’t identify these interests entirely on his own…

“I met up with my Personal Development Manager, Ruan Schlebusch, and we went through an array of questions in a questionnaire that identifies what your ambitions are or where your interests lie. That’s where I found that psychology might be something I want to go into… and me playing sport fits in well with me considering sports psychology. Hopefully I can make a great career out of it.”

Duminy took advantage of a SACA Player Plus bursary in 2014 by completing a course in Small Business Management through GetSmarter; the online nature of the course providing the necessary flexibility to fit into his schedule.

“We always have internet access wherever we’re touring so it was easy to access the information, the notes, the study material… I was privileged to be able to do something like that. Also, the great thing about it is that it’s not exam-based. It’s module-based so you have a week to do your module before handing it in – so it’s not studying per se but lots of research work. You don’t have to freak out about exams, which we don’t always get time to fit in in any case.”

Having last made a concerted effort to study in 2001, while completing Matric at Plumstead High School, Duminy is grateful for the support he has received while tackling dual career objectives so many years later.

“We have a huge amount of support from SACA and obviously our PDMs. They obviously identified how crucial it is for guys to be involved in a dual career – so not only looking after cricket but looking after life after cricket too. We’re privileged to have them as a support structure to put that in place for us.”

In the same vein, he is showing that if a national cricketer who spends up to eight months touring can manage to successfully engage in dual career activities, then all professional South African cricketers could be doing the same.

“I would definitely advise fellow cricketers to get involved in the Player Plus programme. My biggest regret is perhaps that I didn’t have these opportunities earlier in my career or be vigilant enough to study straight after school – it’s important for guys who are restricted in their career to have something else to fall back on. Also, I think it benefits you not only off the field but on the field as well. Maybe that’s where we as cricketers get it wrong as we put too much emphasis on cricket on its own and too much pressure on ourselves because we have to perform; but if we have something that takes our mind away from the game, it’s beneficial for us. I believe it’s important for young cricketers especially to get involved in the Player Plus programme – it’s been set up for us, it will benefit us and is being managed around our schedules which is obviously very important. My experience of the Player Plus programme has really been a good one.”

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FROM FIRST CLASS TO CLASSROOM

Pursuing your sporting dream as a cricketer has its ups and downs, but one thing is certain, at some point the journey will end. All the more reason to be prepared for it or, like SWD captain Waldo Lategan, be in a position to choose the right moment…

At 26, South Western Districts captain Waldo Lategan is making what might be perceived to be a premature decision to join the ‘real world’, but through the SACA Player Plus programme it’s one he’s been preparing four years for.

“Usually you look at cricket as a career until you’re 30 before you have to start thinking about life after it. As a result, you put lots of pressure on yourself because you feel you have to perform every season to have your contract renewed. So, because I felt that pressure, I thought let me get something behind my name and see if some of that pressure goes away by knowing that I have something to fall back on.”

Contemplating studying, again, was a hurdle in itself. In 2008, fresh out of Oudtshoorn High School where he became SWD’s first ever SA Schools player, Lategan moved to Bloemfontein to study Human Movement Science at University of the Free State and play for the province. By mid-2011 he returned to SWD on a semi-professional playing contract, but without a degree.

“It wasn’t the right thing for me,” he says, but with the guidance of his SACA Personal Development Manager he worked out what a suitable career option would be.

“Ruan Schlebusch was very helpful in this regard when he was still the PDM for SWD. He lit the fire that led to me studying and helped me with the admin and applying for a SACA bursary. I have to give him lots of credit and to Brad Player too who became our PDM after him.

“I signed the SWD contract in April 2011, then I spent the off-season playing club cricket in England [for Marehay CC in Derbyshire] and while there, started studying through Unisa in July 2011. When Ruan and I discussed what to study my thoughts were on how I would end up working with kids… I have a big passion for coaching and kids. That’s how teaching came up as a possible option.”

Four years later, having successfully attained his Bachelor of Education (Intermediary) degree, he’ll be doing just that come January 2016.

“I’m getting married in March 2016, and my fiancé [Steph-Mari Harmse] has a very good job at Netcare Cuyler Hospital in Uitenhage. As soon as I finished my exams earlier this year I sent my CV off to schools there and got offers back from three primary schools. After weighing them up, primarily based on how strong their sport was, I accepted an offer from Handhaaf Primary School. I will be teaching Grade 6 and 7 maths.”

As a bonus for Lategan, he still has some cricket to play…

“Initially I asked the three schools if they would allow me to start in April, after the season ends, but they weren’t willing to – they want teachers for a full year. Also, I can’t take the chance of only looking for jobs then, but in negotiating with Handhaaf and SWD it looks like I’ll still be able to play the limited overs matches on Sundays. This will allow me to see out my contract and start my teaching post simultaneously. We’ve been doing well in the provincial one-day tournament and I want to continue making a contribution to that effort. I also feel responsibility to SWD because for four years they’ve given me a contract and allowed me to take time off when I needed to write exams – I owe them my gratitude too.”

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A TRANSITION WELL-MANAGED

A sudden end to your playing career doesn’t mean an abrupt end to your SACA Player Plus access, as Craig Thyssen happily discovered

One Saturday, erstwhile Warriors all-rounder Craig Thyssen was scoring 33 for Walsall CC in an English club match. The next Saturday his 10-year-long career was over…

“I didn’t know it would be my last match,” he says, recalling what followed that fateful match on 21 July 2013.

“On the Monday morning I woke up, had breakfast and went to the gym like a normal day. Afterwards, while I was lying on the couch watching TV I just started having headaches and stuff. I remember there was a clock on the wall, it couldn’t have been more than four metres away but I couldn’t see the time on it… it was so blurry. When I got up my head was sore so I thought it was just a migraine.”

Only it wasn’t… after a week of ‘tunnel vision headaches’, a teammate’s brother advised a brain scan. The result? “They found strokes on the brain.”

“A few weeks earlier I’d hurt my knee and considered flying home but when I told them that at the hospital they said I might have died on the flight… they found a blood clot on my heart too and it would have exploded at altitude! A higher power was looking out for me.”

Following treatment Thyssen did return home, but the remaining blank spot in his left eye ended, at 29, a career that had started as a prodigious schoolboy at Grey High in Port Elizabeth.

As it turns out, he now nurtures talented schoolboys, as Paarl Gym’s first team coach.

“I was lucky, when this happened to me I still had a season – 2013/14 – left on my Warriors contract, so I could still look at what I wanted to do. Melonie Gobel [SACA’s Eastern Cape-based Personal Development Manager] was a massive help in me identifying that I should to go into coaching.”

“With Craig, as with all the players we work with, we really looked holistically after the player and to make sure that they’re ‘okay’,” says Gobel. “Usually we’ll start from a financial perspective by identifying their short-term and long-term goals. We also look at life preparation work, like getting a will in order and other life skills they might identify in one-on-one workshops. More specific to Craig, he now didn’t have a job, so we gave him a CV template to do his own and then fine-tuned it with him. Then we as SACA heard of the coaching job at Paarl Gym and endorsed and motivated for him – he got the job ahead of a number of other candidates.”

To round off their transition support, SACA Player Plus also motivated for Thyssen – and current national bowling coach Charl Langeveldt – to do the CSA Level III coaching course in 2014/15 .

“There was obviously limited space, but he did superbly and got great marks. It shows what a person can do, given the opportunity,” Gobel concludes.

Buoyed by the support, Thyssen has made a successful start to his new career.

“When I arrived in January 2014, the first team was ranked in the 50s I think – remember it’s a rugby school – but we ended the year ranked 10th so I think we’ve done well.”

He has also been unafraid to go straight to the top for some advice…

“[Proteas coach] Russell Domingo was my coach from Under-15 to academy level, and brought me back to the Warriors after two years playing for Free State. He has always been willing to answer any questions I have.”

Besides that, Thyssen can count on first hand experience – three years of SA Schools [2000-02] alongside the likes of AB de Villiers and competing against Brendon McCullum and Alistair Cook on SA Under-19 tours – to nurture the schoolboys under his watch.

“They are always asking me questions about that and my career. The one thing I always tell them is that talent can only take you so far, but you have to work hard if you want to turn professional… and that your career can end when you least expect it.”

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