Dragons honour their best at glittering awards evening

North West Cricket proudly hosted its Annual Awards ceremony for the 2024/2025 season recently, a celebration of excellence in the province. Held at the Snowflake Building in Potchefstroom, the event was a night of recognition for players, coaches, volunteers and all who contribute to the success of the sport in the region.

The ceremony was officially opened by host Itumeleng Banda, who warmly welcomed the distinguished guests, including players, coaches, officials and sponsors. A special moment was dedicated to honouring the performances of the past season with a highlight reel showcasing the top moments.

The evening kicked off with the Youth Awards, where emerging talent was recognized for their dedication, skill and potential. Dawood Seleka, North West Cricket Board Member and FINCO Chairman, presented the NWC Hubs Program Awards, with players Nthabiseng Nini (Ikageng Hub), Thato Kotokoane (Matlosana Hub) and Omphile Rangwaga (Impala Hub) being celebrated for their impressive performances. The KFC Mini Cricket Awards followed, celebrating young cricketers like Atlegang Onalena from George Madoda Primary, with further accolades for Sipho Mbandesi (Mini Cricket Coach of the Year) and Bojanala West (Mini Cricket Structure of the Year).

Andre de Beer, Chairman of Schools Cricket, presented the NW Provincial Age Group Awards, acknowledging the top young players in various categories, such as Siphokazi Duma (U13 Girls Player), Ulrich Botha (U15 Boys Player) and Nathan Rossouw (U19 Boys Player).

The evening also saw the announcement of the Western Legends Cubs’ Representatives 2024/2025, with Muhammad Bulbulia, Caden Seleka and Rossouw among those selected for further national recognition. In the SA Representatives U/19 Girls and Boys category, Puseleto Sekhute (Ikageng Hub) and Tshegofatso Monyela (Saints Christian School) were honoured for their outstanding contributions to cricket.

In the team categories, the U11 Junior Club Winners were DJCA Blue and the U13 Junior Club Winners were Saints/Potch Dorp. Hoerskool Volksschool and Saints Christian School were among the big winners in the school leagues, while the NW Youth Cricket Coach of the Year was awarded to Claude April for his exceptional coaching and leadership.

The importance of scorers and umpires was also recognized, with Tumelo Dikudu named NW Scorer of the Year and Nadia Strydom awarded NW Umpire of the Year, acknowledging the essential roles these individuals play in ensuring the integrity and accuracy of every match.

The first half of the evening was concluded with a Keynote Address by Rihan Richards, President of Cricket South Africa, who provided inspiring words for the future of cricket in the province and beyond.

Leading Independent Director, Des Ayob, joined the stage to present the Club Cricket Awards, officially kicking off the second part of the evening. This was aimed at recognising the champions across various league formats. Winners included Sunday League: Matlosana Sun II, Second League: Rustenburg II, First League: Rustenburg I, Promotion League: Impala CC, Promotion League T20: Reinke 9T20 III. In women’s club cricket, winners included: Premier A League: Klerksdorp Travellers Ladies, Premier A T20 League: Agriserve Potch Dorp Ladies, Premier B League & T20: Agriserve Potch Dorp Saints Ladies. Additional accolades included: Premier League Community Cup Representative: Travelling Reefs I, Premier-B League: Reinke 9T20 II, Premier-B T20 League: Agriserve Potch Dorp II, Premier-A League: NWU I, Premier-A T20 League: Impala I, Premier League Coach of the Season: Brady Barends (NWU I), Best Club Administrator: Klerksdorp Travellers CC, and John Stocken Club Fair Play Award: Mafikeng Boys I.

Hester Parsons, Chairperson of Women’s Cricket, presented the top individual awards in the Glencore Women’s Premier League: Premier A T20 Awards: Bowler of the Year – Sonja Siepker, Batter of the Year – Alyssa Erxleben, and Player of the Year – Alyssa Erxleben. Premier A 50 Overs Awards: Bowler – Kamogelo Kgaswane, Batter – Rode Denysschen, and Player – Ane Saunderson. Premier B 50 Overs Awards: Bowler – Thulaganyo Kgosiencho, Batter – Siphumelele Duma, and Player – Thulaganyo Kgosiencho. Premier B T20 Awards: Bowler, Batter & Player of the Year – Reabetswe Dithipe.

Johan Horn, North West Board Secretary, presented awards for the top-performing men’s players: Premier B 50 Overs: Bowler – DG Fourie, Batter – Johandre Nortman, Player – DG Fourie. Premier B T20: Bowler – Marnus de Witt, Batter & Player – Matty Maritz. Premier A 50 Overs: Bowler – Edumisa Dlulemnyango, Batter – Ryan Herselman, Player – Lleyton Trotskie. Premier A T20: Bowler – Stian Swanepoel, Batter & Player – Estiaan Schonfeldt.

Board member, Lesedi Moshabi, recognised rising talent and rural excellence: Academy - Colts: Bowler – Jayden Brooke and Batter & Player – Layton Trotskie. For Rural Cricket: Bowler – Tumelo Makume and Batter & Player – Estiaan Schonfeldt.

The event also honoured visually impaired cricketers for their inspiring performances: B1 of the Year – Gordon Motsumi, B2 of the Year – Africa Nkuna, and B3 of the Year & Player of the Year – Obakeng Moshabe.

CEO Ismail Minty presented the Professional Awards, spotlighting the achievements of the North West Dragons. First up, the Glencore Dragons Women: T20 Bowler of the Year – Ane Saunderson, T20 Batter of the Year – Deidre van Rensburg, ODD Bowler of the Year – Alyssa Erxleben, ODD Batter & Player of the Year – Deidre van Rensburg and Players' Player of the Year – Nthabiseng Nini.

Dragons Men: T20 Player of the Year – Wihan Lubbe, Four-Day Player of the Year – Ruan de Swardt, ODD Player of the Year – Caleb Seleka, Dragons Player of the Year – Wihan Lubbe, and Players' Player of the Year – Ruan de Swardt. Lubbe was recognised for his leadership, explosive form in all formats, and record-breaking fielding, while de Swardt’s consistent all-round brilliance in the four-day competition stood out.

The events also honoured special awards recipients in a heartfelt celebration of cricketing excellence, community impact and national achievement. The Lifetime Achievement Awards, recognising individuals who have dedicated more than two decades of service to North West Cricket, celebrated the unsung heroes have worked tirelessly behind the scenes, nurturing talent, upholding the game’s integrity, and inspiring future generations.

Recipients of the Lifetime Achievement Awards (Long Service): Pule Tsoanyane – Scorers, Martha Makganye – Scorers, Klaas Wyma – Umpires, Lukie Luus – Umpires, Davis Drake – Umpires, Johan Louw – Umpires, Jan van Wyk – Primary Schools Cricket and Christo Gouws – Rural Cricket.

The Presidential Awards recognised elite athletes and professionals from the region who represented South Africa across major platforms, highlighting a proud year for NWC on the national and international stage.

RCSA Representation: Tumelo Makume

Proteas Men Call-Up: Marco Jansen, Gideon Peters, and Meeka-Eel Prince

SA20 Selections: Rubin Hermann – Paarl Royals, Wihan Lubbe – Joburg Super Kings, Caleb Seleka – Sunrisers, Migael Pretorius – Pretoria Capitals, Gideon Peters – Pretoria Capitals and Marco Jansen – Sunrisers

Proteas Women Call-Up: Jackie Kriel (Physio) and Neil Levenson (Batting Consultant)

National Academy Selection: Duan Jansen (2024), Caleb Seleka (2024), Meeka-Eel Prince (2025) and Tebogo Mokoatedi (S&C) 2024/2025

Proteas Women U19 World Cup Squad: Deidre van Rensburg and Nthabiseng Nini.

SA ODI Youth U19 Boys: Callie Fryer (Hoërskool Rustenburg) and Nathan Rossouw (Hoërskool Rustenburg).

SA Test Youth U19 Boys: Muhammad Bulbulia

CSA Week Winners: NW U19 Girls – CSA U19 Week Winners, NW Rural Dragons – RCSA Inland Tournament Winners, and Glencore Dragons Women – CSA National Week Winners & Division 2 50-Over and T20 Winners.

Minty presented the Special Achievement Awards honoured individuals whose contributions left a lasting mark on cricket in the region.

Nation Ntlame – KFC Mini Cricket Coordinator

With 24 years of involvement as a school coach and eight years as a mini cricket coordinator, Ntlame has played an instrumental role in grassroots development.

Raeesa van der Westhuizen – Glencore Dragons Women’s Team

For 23 seasons, Van der Westhuizen has been a cornerstone of the NWC family, from a determined youth imitating legends in her childhood home to a provincial player and now a leader shaping the future of women's cricket. Her contributions, both on and off the field, include managing U19 Girls and Senior Women’s teams to national titles and Division One promotion. Her legacy is one of loyalty, resilience, and trailblazing leadership.

Matthew Kleinveldt – Retiring North West Dragons Player

As he steps away from the game, NWC salutes Kleinveldt for his commitment and professionalism. He leaves behind a career filled with hard-fought performances and proud memories in the Dragons jersey.

The evening was concluded with a heartfelt thank-you to North West Cricket’s valued sponsors for their continued support. Their belief in the growth and future of cricket has made it possible to nurture talent and build a sustainable sporting legacy. Sponsors honoured were North-West University (NWU), OFM, Renault Potchefstroom, Sunbake, South African Airlines, Eduvos, and the Department of Sport.

The formal proceedings concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Zubayr Minty, President of North West Cricket, who applauded every awardee, sponsor and partner for their role.