Fresh off a remarkable 2025/26 Division 2 campaign, the Knights have plenty to smile about. They lost just three matches across all formats and swept three finals to secure a historic treble – a first in Free State Cricket history. In doing so, they dominated the season and comfortably earned promotion back to Division 1, where they will compete for at least the next two seasons.

The Knights beat Eastern Cape Iinyathi in both the T20 Knockout and the One-Day Cup finals, winning by 11 runs and five wickets respectively. They also clinched the 4-Day Series title. Although the final against the Eastern Storm at the Mangaung Oval was washed out, the Free State outfit had already done enough to top the log and seal promotion back to the top tier of domestic cricket.

Malusi Siboto. Photo: Morgan Piek

What truly stood out this season was the collective effort. This was not a campaign built on one or two standout performers, but rather a squad effort in the truest sense. From the players and coaches to the broader management team, everyone played their part.  When injuries struck, others stepped up – a hallmark of a champion side. That said, a few individuals did shine. 

Captain Dane Piedt was the big winner on the night, taking home the Knights’ Most Valuable Player of the Year award. The Proteas spinner led from the front and claimed 46 wickets across formats, despite missing a significant portion of the season due to injury and SA20 commitments. 

He picked up 26 wickets in the 4-Day Series, 14 in the One-Day Cup, and six in the T20 competition, having featured in just three matches in the shortest format.

Ruben Maree. Photo: Morgan Piek

Veteran seamer Malusi Siboto proved to be the heartbeat of the attack. When Piedt was sidelined, Siboto stepped up as captain and guided the team to T20 title glory. Time and again, he broke crucial partnerships and shifted momentum in the Knights’ favour. It came as no surprise that his teammates voted him Players’ Player of the Year – arguably the most meaningful accolade, as it reflects the respect and appreciation of one’s peers.

Nineteen-year-old batter Ruben Maree was undoubtedly one of the finds of the season. The Grey College old boy showed maturity beyond his years, delivering when it mattered most. Batting predominantly at number four, and even opening on occasion, Maree announced himself as one of the most exciting young prospects in Free State cricket with the bat since Raynard van Tonder.

While his T20 opportunities were limited – scoring 22 in his only innings – Maree made his mark in the longer formats. In the 4-Day Series, he compiled 272 runs in nine innings, including a superb career-best 134 against the Limpopo Impalas. 

Gihahn Cloete. Photo: Morgan Piek

He also registered his maiden first-class half-century with a fluent 78 in Kimberley against Northern Cape Heat. He carried that form into the One-Day Cup, scoring 275 runs in eight innings, including three half-centuries, with a best of 68. Unsurprisingly, he walked away with the Knights’ Newcomer of the Year award.

There were also notable contributions from wicketkeeper-batter Gihahn Cloete, who enjoyed a red-hot run with the bat. The highlight of his season was a career-best 210 against Easterns in the 4-Day Series final. Cloete ended as the competition’s leading run-scorer, amassing 743 runs in 11 innings at a remarkable average of 92.87.

Seamer Sethembile Langa also finished the season strongly, emerging as one of the leading wicket-takers in the One-Day Cup with 17 scalps. While young left-arm spinner Mbongiseni Mhlanga, who is also a product of Grey, announced himself to the big leagues with consistent performances with the ball in the middle overs.

All in all, it was a season to remember for the Knights – one built on unity, resilience, and big-match temperament – and one that has firmly re-established them among South Africa’s top domestic sides.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek sm