The Hollywoodbets Dolphins family came together in fine style at the prestigious Mount Edgecombe Golf Club on Wednesday, 17 April to celebrate the standout performers of the 2024/25 domestic cricket season at the annual Hollywoodbets Dolphins Awards ceremony.
Set against the elegant backdrop of one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most scenic venues, the evening was a festive occasion filled with glamour, gratitude, and glowing tributes. Players, coaches, administrators, sponsors, and supporters gathered to honour the stars who flew the Dolphins flag with distinction over the course of a challenging but rewarding campaign.
Reflecting on the Season
The 2024/25 season was one of resilience and rising promise for the Dolphins. Under the guidance of head coach Quinton Friend, the team showed grit and growth across all formats, turning in some memorable performances along the way.
In the CSA 4-Day Series, the Dolphins men were consistently competitive, notching up key wins and finishing in the top half of the table. The T20 Challenge campaign saw flashes of brilliance, with exciting cameos from emerging talents and experienced heads alike, while their 50-over performances was memorable, as they rose from the dead to win the CSA One Day Cup with a late-tournament push that will live on long in the memory.
The signs of a squad in transition and evolution were clear — and the awards evening was a perfect opportunity to recognise both individual excellence and collective effort.
The women’s team was as competitive as ever in the Hollywoodbets Pro Series. Under the tutelage of Angelique Taai made a strong push for the Pro 20 and Pro 50 titles, but were pipped at the end by Western Province and the Lions respectively.
Honouring the Best
Hollywoodbets Pro20 – Fielder of the Year: Nombulelo Baneti
Hollywoodbets Pro20 – Bowler of the Year: Jade De Figueiredo
Hollywoodbets Pro20 – Batter of the Year: Nicole De Klerk
Hollywoodbets Pro20 – Player of the Year: Nondumiso Shangase
Newcomer of the Year (men): Hanu Viljoen
4-Day Player of the Year: Prenelan Subrayen
T20 Challenge Player of the Year: Andile Simelane
Hollywoodbets Pro50 – Fielder of the Year: Nondumiso Shangase
Hollywoodbets Pro50 – Bowler of the Year: Nondumiso Shangase
Hollywoodbets Pro50 – Batter of the Year: Alex Candler
Hollywoodbets Pro50 – Player of the Year: Alex Candler
One Day Cup Player of the Year: JJ Smuts
Women’s Player of the Year: Alex Candler
Men’s Player of the Year: Prenelan Subrayen
Women’s Players’ Player of the Year: Nicole De Klerk
Men’s Players’ Player of the Year: Prenelan Subrayen
Looking Ahead
Hollywoodbets’ continued support and investment in the Dolphins franchise was warmly acknowledged on the night, as was the important work being done at development and grassroots levels. The evening also provided an opportunity to celebrate the behind-the-scenes heroes — the support staff, administrators, and volunteers who make every season possible.
As the curtain falls on the 2024/25 campaign, there’s a sense of renewed ambition and excitement about what lies ahead. With young guns emerging, experienced players finding form, and the structures around the team strengthening, the Dolphins will be aiming to build on this year’s foundations and challenge even more strongly in 2025/26.
Final Word
Congratulations to all the nominees and winners who made the 2024/25 season so memorable. The Hollywoodbets Dolphins Awards once again showcased the pride, passion, and potential that runs deep within the franchise — and reminded everyone why this team holds such a special place in South African cricket.
Click here to see a gallery of the event.
