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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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TWELVE YEARS OF RESEARCH-BASED PLAYER SERVICE

Over the past 12 years, the South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) has cemented its dedication to evidence-based practice through a…

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Du Preez Crowned Overall Domestic Women’s SACA MVP Winner

The South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) has announced the winners of the Domestic Women’s SACA MVP awards for the 2025/26 domestic season. Former Proteas captain Mignon du Preez, seasoned all-rounder Nicolien Janse van Rensburg, and emerging talent Alexandra Candler claimed the top honours across the overall and format-specific rankings, marking a season of high-performance cricket in the domestic landscape.

Mignon du Preez finished the season at the summit of the overall SACA MVP rankings with 249,953 total MVP points. Representing the North-West Dragons, the veteran batter’s consistency across both the Pro50 and Pro20 formats secured her the title. Du Preez remains a dominant force in domestic cricket, with her season marked by high-impact half-centuries and a superior points-per-match average. In the Pro50 series, she accumulated 142 runs across four innings at an average of 35.50, including two half-centuries.

Her performance in the CSA Women’s Pro20 Series 2025/26 was particularly noteworthy, where she recorded the most fifties in the competition. A standout moment of her campaign was a 115-run partnership with Lizri de Villiers against the Garden Route Badgers in Oudtshoorn, which ranks as the second-highest partnership of the Pro20 season. Her ability to anchor innings while maintaining a high strike rate provided a significant points cushion over her competitors, reinforcing her status as one of the premier performers in the South African game.

For the second consecutive year, Nicolien Janse van Rensburg has secured the Pro50 Series SACA MVP title, accumulating 147,843 points. The Garden Route Badgers all-rounder was the most valuable player of the Pro50 series and finished as the leading wicket-taker in the competition with 16 wickets. Throughout her Women’s List A career, Janse van Rensburg has maintained a bowling average of 15.97 and a strike rate of 23.95. Her 2025/26 campaign was bolstered by disciplined seam bowling, highlighted by best bowling figures of 5 for 28. Her match-winning influence was evident in her ability to strike regularly while maintaining an economy rate of 4.00, solidifying her reputation as a consistent senior player.

The Pro20 Series T20 MVP title was awarded to Alexandra Candler, who finished the shortest format with 163,266 points. The 22-year-old Dolphins all-rounder enjoyed a breakthrough season, showcasing versatility with both bat and ball. Candler’s T20 campaign was characterised by aggressive batting and breakthroughs with her medium pace, but it was also defined by her ability to build match-winning stands. She was a key contributor in two of the highest partnerships in the CSA Women’s Pro20 Series during the 2025/26 season, demonstrating her value as a tactical middle-order anchor.

The SACA MVP uses an internationally recognised rankings system to measure key influencers in CSA’s domestic competitions. Administered by cricket statistician Andrew Samson, the algorithm provides an objective, data-driven analysis of player performance. Points are awarded based on batting metrics such as runs and strike rates, bowling performance including wickets and economy, and fielding contributions. Match impact bonus points are also awarded for team wins and Man of the Match performances. This system ensures that recognition is based purely on statistical impact and match-winning contributions.

SACA CEO, Andrew Breetzke, commented, “We congratulate Mignon, Nicolien, and Alexandra for winning the title of SACA MVP in their respective categories. It is a great achievement to be recognised as the most valuable player for the season. This season, players have challenged themselves and let their talent shine. We wish all players a restful off-season.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Subrayen and De Klerk Win 2024/25 SACA MVP

Today, the South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) announced the SACA Most Valuable Player (SACA MVP) winners for the 2024/2025 domestic cricket season, recognising outstanding individual contributions in Division 1 and Division 2. Dolphins captain Prenelan Subrayen claimed the Division 1 SACA MVP award, while Eastern Cape Iinyathi all-rounder Jade de Klerk secured the Division 2 SACA MVP title.

Division 1 MVP: Prenelan Subrayen (Dolphins)

Prenelan Subrayen led the Division 1 SACA MVP rankings with a remarkable 382,761 MVP points, showcasing consistent performances across both the 4-Day Domestic Series and the CSA One-Day Cup. The Dolphins captain proved pivotal, leading his team to the final of the One-Day Cup competition.

In the 4-Day Series, the experienced spinner was a dominant influence, claiming an impressive 44 wickets in just seven matches. His standout performance against Western Province saw him achieve the best bowling figures in a match for the Division 1 series, taking 10 wickets for 110 runs at an exceptional economy rate of 1.97.

Subrayen also made significant contributions in the One-Day Cup, picking up 15 crucial wickets. His impactful performances throughout the season cemented his place at the top of the rankings, ahead of Western Province all-rounder Kyle Simmonds (375,214 MVP points) and 2022/23 SACA MVP, Beyers Swanepoel (353,715 MVP points).

Division 2 MVP: Jade de Klerk (Eastern Cape Iinyathi)

Jade de Klerk emerged as the Division 2 SACA MVP overall winner after a dominant season for the Eastern Cape Iinyathi. The 26-year-old all-rounder’s exceptional bowling performances in the 4-Day Domestic Series were the cornerstone of his success.

De Klerk was a formidable force with the ball in the longer format, claiming an impressive 44 wickets, including two outstanding ten-wicket hauls in a single innings. His consistent wicket-taking ability saw him maintain a strong position in the overall rankings, ultimately clinching the top spot in the final round. The final overall Division 2 SACA MVP standings saw de Klerk finish ahead of Ernest Kemm (368.413 MVP points) in second position and Sean Whitehead (318.347 MVP points) in third. His dominance extended to the 4-Day rankings, where he also finished as the leading MVP, followed by Ernest Kemm (265.645 MVP points) and Tshepo Ntuli (190.307 MVP points).

The SACA MVP uses an internationally recognised rankings system to objectively measure player contributions across all of CSA’s domestic competitions. The algorithm, developed by SACA and administered by cricket statistician Andrew Samson, awards points based on player performance in various match situations, providing a comprehensive and data-driven assessment of their value.

“Prenelan and Jade’s performances this season highlight the talent and competitive spirit within South African domestic cricket. Their consistent excellence throughout the season has been duly recognised with these SACA MVP awards,” commented Andrew Breetzke, SACA CEO.

Overall SACA MVP Rankings – Division 1
4-Day Series SACA MVP Ranhttps://saca.org.za/player/?c=204kings – Division 1
Overall SACA MVP Rankings – Division 2
4-Day Series SACA MVP Rankings – Division 2
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CAREER-BEST MAHARAJ BOWLS DOLPHINS TO WARRIORS WIN

Keshav Maharaj’s career-best bowling figures spurred the Hollywoodbets Dolphins on to a first Sunfoil Series win of the season as they beat the Warriors by 55 runs on the final day at St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth on Sunday.

The Standard Bank Proteas spinner and stand-in captain claimed seven for 76 – the best bowling figures by any bowler in 2017/18 – to help his side claim the final four wickets and bowl the hosts out for 230 before lunch.

The Warriors had been chasing a target of 286 and resumed the final day on 172 for six, but were dismissed in 78.5 overs as the visitors claimed only the third overall win of the campaign to stay in the hunt for the title.

Simon Harmer and Clyde Fortuin, both on four, were the two unbeaten batsmen at the start, and they kept their side in contention for the opening 10 overs when they shifted the score on to 199 for six.

But the latter fell to Senuran Muthusamy for 15 to open the door for the Dolphins and Maharaj then took out Ayabulela Gqamane (12) and Tladi Bokako (0) both leg before wicket with the total on 212.

Anrich Nortje (3) was then run out, leaving Harmer, the hero with the ball for the Warriors after he took 12 wickets earlier in the game, stranded on 36.

Maharaj, meanwhile, improved on his previous best figures of seven for 89 in the same fixture last season as his side reduced the gap at the top of the table.

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FRYLINCK BLASTS DOLPHINS TO THRILLING WIN

Robbie Frylinck struck two sixes from the final two deliveries to help the Hollywoodbets Dolphins to close the gap on the top two in the Momentum One-Day Cup with a thrilling three-wicket final-ball win over the World Sports Betting Cape Cobras in Paarl on Wednesday.

The Standard Bank Proteas all-rounder, who earlier took three wickets, held his nerve facing up to the inexperienced Ferisco Adams as the visitors made heavy weather towards the end of a 290-run chase at Eurolux Boland Park.

They should have cruised to victory after a supreme 161-run opening stand between Sarel Erwee and Morne van Wyk.

Veteran Van Wyk recorded the 24th century of his career after a constructive 107 (137 balls, 10 fours, 1 six), while fellow opener Erwee clubbed 80 (69 balls, 9 fours, 2 sixes).

The pair had left their side in a powerful position and they were on 240 for three at the end of 43 overs – with 50 needed from seven overs.

However, Adams (2/69) then removed Sibonelo Makhanya (19) and Calvin Savage (3), with George Linde (2/48) starting the slide by removing Van Wyk and Andile Phehlukwayo (20) taken out by Mthiwekhaya Nabe (1/46), leaving the Dolphins in a state of panic.

They still needed 13 from the final six balls and Frylinck kept his cool with 14 off six deliveries to take the Dolphins to within a point of the Cobras and Multiply Titans at the summit.

Earlier, it was JP Duminy who led from the front as the home side amassed 289 for six.

The captain plundered 86 (66 balls, 6 fours, 2 sixes), with Pieter Malan hitting 62 (88 balls, 5 fours).

Frylinck was the pick of the Dolphins bowlers, taking three for 44, and ended as their star man at the end after his big-hitting took them over the line.

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VANDIAR, SIBOTO NEW ARRIVALS AT TITANS

Malusi Siboto and Jonathan Vandiar will wear the colours of The Unlimited Titans in the 2016/17 season.

The pair join from the VKB Knights and Sunfoil Dolphins respectively, while Daniel Sincuba also switches from KwaZulu-Natal to the Easterns Titans franchise.

Seam bowler Siboto, 28, has grown in leaps and bounds since his Knights debut in the 2011/12 season.

Despite a lengthy injury lay-off, the right-armer was a key part of the team for the Central Franchise last season. Siboto has over 150 first-class wickets and more than 100 in the limited-over formats. He will be joined by two former Dolphins players at the Titans.

One is batsman Jonathan Vandiar, who previously played in Gauteng with the bizhub Highveld Lions. The 26-year-old spent a few seasons at Sahara Stadium Kingsmead, but failed to stake a regular place in the team.

Sincuba, also a batsman, is a franchise cricket rookie having played seven matches for the Dolphins since his debut in 2014/15.

The Titans also boast the most number of nationally contracted player with six in total. They are Test and One-Day international captain AB De Villiers, T20 skipper Faf Du Plessis, Dean Elgar, Farhaan Behardien, Morne Morkel and Quinton De Kock.

Titans squad: Qaasim Adams, Junior Dala, Henry Davids, Morne Morkel, Heinrich Klaasen, Heino Kuhn, Farhaan Behardien, Aiden Markram, Dean Elgar, Grant Mokoena, Albie Morkel, Chris Morris, Lungi Ngidi, AB de Villiers, Tabraiz Shamzi, Malusi Siboto, Daniel Sincuba, Grant Thomson, Shaun von Berg, David Weise, Quinton de Kock, Rowan Richards, Jonathan Vandiar, Faf du Plessis.

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FINDING THE RIGHT FIT

Glen Addicott has always had a passion for what he does. Rather than investing all that passion into his work as a cricketer in an often unpredictable landscape, he found another area into which he could channel his energy.

Four years ago a new challenge in his cricket career seemed logical for Pietermaritzburg-born Glen Addicott. After seven seasons as a regular for KwaZulu-Natal Inland, the top-order batsman had only played a handful of matches for the Dolphins in 2010-11 and 2011-12, so he felt the timing was right for a move to South Western Districts to explore further playing opportunities.

“My former club coach from Maritzburg Varsity, Gary Hampson, had moved down to the area to coach SWD and offered me the chance to join them, which I did,” the 31-year-old says.

As it turned out, ’real life’ caught up quickly for Addicott in the Southern Cape.

“I came down to George in 2012, then in February 2013 married to Jesse Ann and then she fell pregnant. All that meant I became quite keen to settle down. While I was still in Maritzburg I had spent a year studying towards a Bachelor of Business Administration, my degree wasn’t complete. I had also done Level I and Level II coaching courses but that’s not what I wanted to do.”

Fortunately, Addicott had already been introduced to a long-term career option in which he was interested.

“In 2011 I was playing club cricket in England [for Vauxhall Mallards, based close to the east coast of England] and one of my mates was also a personal trainer. He was training a guy with polio and invited me to join them at a CrossFit box – that’s what their ‘gyms’ are called. Being fully fit I thought it would be easy, but the session broke me and from that day I knew I wanted to do CrossFit. Basically, CrossFit is all about functional movement, which comes from a split between gymnastics, weight lifting and cardio work, which could be riding, running or swimming. Also, every day is different and varied and it’s performed at high intensity. It’s one of the fastest growing sports in the world and has its own CrossFit Games.”

To turn that interest into a career, Addicott tapped into the resources available to him, starting with SACA Personal Development Managers, Ruan Schlebusch and Brad Player.

“Ruan helped me draw up contracts, come up with a business plan and enrol in various classes to own a CrossFit box. Brad was also great, and even these days he often pops in for coffee and a chat.”

Addicott also found a willing business partner in his SWD captain, Ross McMillan, with whom he has come a long way.

“Ross and I have known each other for many years,” he says. “We grew up playing cricket against each other [McMillan for Hilton College and Addicott for St Charles College], and then together in numerous teams, such as KwaZulu-Natal Inland and then SWD. Ross has always been business-minded and had a desire to run a business. I, on the other hand, am not naturally that way inclined and so my skills lay in the programming and coaching of classes. We made a great team.

“That said, in June 2015 a great opportunity arose for Ross and he left us, and retired from cricket, to pursue a career in the financial sector [as a Financial Planner with Momentum] – a fantastic move for him and a certain loss for us. Although we miss him, I have learnt some wonderful business skills and thus am very happy with how things are going at CrossFit George.”

Having now gone it alone, how does Addicott look back on the decision to put his kit bag in storage?

“It was a tough decision. Cricket was my life and I didn’t have any other job. However, it was also a pretty easy decision in the sense that I’m still involved in sport and people. The major difference is that when you own your own business it’s 24-7 while with cricket you get lots of down time. So the business side has been a bit of a change.”

However, he confirms that he’s in it for the long run.

“My parents and my wife’s parents have moved down here [no doubt to be closer to their granddaughters, born in 2013 and 2015]. Personally, it was tough in the beginning with early mornings and late evenings for classes but here in George the life is great, there’s very little to complain about. I do miss cricket but I’ve fallen into another passion.”

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“WORK EXPERIENCE IS KEY” – SHEZI

While a desire to return to the national fold is fuelling his sporting objectives, Cape Cobras bowler Mthokozisi Shezi is mindful of chasing personal development goals too

A cricketer’s off-season is usually spent resting their weary body, catching up with friends and family and setting goals for the season to come. That, or packing in experience by playing club or county cricket in the UK.

However, earlier this year, Cape Cobras left-arm seamer Mthokozisi Shezi gained experience of a different kind during a work placement at Momentum – sponsors of the domestic one-day cup.

“SACA approached me about it which I was very happy about and I was glad to accept. I wanted to learn how the corporate world works and see if I’m interested in that side of things,” Shezi says.

SACA Player Plus put Shezi in contact with Rory Gruss, an accredited financial advisor with programme partners Momentum, who put him at ease about what to expect.

“I’d been speaking to Rory so knew I was going to do three days [conveniently at the Momentum offices right next door to PPC Newlands] but I was still very nervous. My girlfriend dressed me up, as she said I needed to look formal.”

Initially, looking the part was all he had going for him.

“I remember on the Monday, the guys I spent time with had two cases to solve and watching three people sit together trying to do so was impressive but I must admit for the first 30 minutes I didn’t know what was going on because they were speaking in ‘work code’. That’s also when I realised how important it is to have real work experience and not just a diploma or a degree.”

As it is, the Pietermaritzburg-born 28-year-old already has the former and is currently working towards the latter.

“When I was still playing for the Dolphins, I completed a three-year diploma in sports management at Varsity College in Durban [after applying for and receiving a SACA Player Plus bursary]. When I finished that I said to myself let me do something corporate. After realising how much I like people and them being taken care of, my research led me to human resources – I’m studying that through Mancosa.”

Back to the work experience, what had Shezi learnt by the end of his three days?

“I was there to absorb… mostly by learning through listening but I also asked basic questions related to savings and shares for example. However, I’m really happy to know my finances are safe, because I’ve seen first hand how much they care. As a result, I’ve upped my investment because I now know where, how and when is being used.”

Buoyed by this year’s work experience, Shezi is already looking for an opportunity to do the same at the end of this season.

“I’m in the second year of my three-year HR degree. I’ll try for honours too, but I will be consulting Brad Player, my SACA Personal Development Manager, because next pre-season I want to do work experience in the HR field too. Instead of going to England I want to invest in doing work experience – I want to learn as much as possible and know that I can confidently walk into a job one day.”

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