After a season that delivered three trophies to Bloemfontein, the Knights’ dominance has translated into a strong presence on the CSA Awards shortlist, highlighting the depth of talent and leadership within the franchise.

Head coach JP Triegaardt has been nominated for the Coach of the Year award, an honour he previously claimed in 2024. Triegaardt faces stiff competition from his former assistant coach, Lotli Sesele of the Garden Route Badgers, and Tumelo Bobide of the Eastern Cape Iinyathi.

Ruan Haasbroek. Photo: Morgan Piek

Knights all-rounder Ruan Haasbroek has been recognised for his impact in the shortest format of the game and is in contention for the T20 Knockout Player of the Season award. Interestingly, one of the franchise’s newest recruits, George van Heerden, has also been nominated following an outstanding season with the Garden Route Badgers.

The remaining nominees in the category are Eastern Cape Iinyathi stars Alindle Mhletywa and Thozama Totana.

Another incoming Knights player, seamer Nico van Zyl, has been shortlisted for the One-Day Cup Player of the Season award after an exceptional campaign with the Iinyathi. He will compete against Yassir Cook of the Mpumalanga Rhinos and Ludwig Kaestner of the Limpopo Impalas.

JP Triegaardt. Photo: Morgan Piek

Proteas wicketkeeper-batter Gihahn Cloete has earned a nomination for the 4-Day Series Player of the Season award. He is joined on the shortlist by Liam Alder of the Badgers and Ernest Kemm of Eastern Storm.

Speaking to OFM Sport, Haasbroek said the nominations were a welcome reward for a memorable season, although team success remained the priority.

“I’m honoured to be nominated. Individual awards are always appreciated, but when I came to Bloemfontein, my main goal was to win three trophies and win games for the team.”

“Getting nominated is obviously a little added bonus to the three trophies we won. It was a special season, and it’s nice to get recognised and see that your hard work is paying off.”

Despite being nominated alongside his future teammate, Haasbroek believes Van Heerden deserves strong consideration for the award.

“George being nominated is awesome – he’s an exceptional talent and I’m looking forward to sharing a field with him and learning from him as well.

“He had an unbelievable tournament and season last season, hence he got a Knights contract this season. I’m very happy for him and I’ll definitely be rooting for him to get that award.”

Gihahn Cloete. Photo: Morgan Piek

“To have two players nominated is obviously kudos to the team and the structure that we have. With George coming in, it just shows that Knights cricket is on the up and that’s awesome to see.”

Haasbroek also backed Triegaardt to add another coaching accolade to his growing collection.

“Coach has done an exceptional job, obviously winning three trophies. I’d be hoping that he’s the favourite to win that award, but knowing him, he’ll be humble as always.

“It’s awesome to see the Knights guys getting recognised and that the season we had is topped off with a few individual recognitions.”

George van Heerden. Photo: Frikkie Kapp

Cloete’s nomination comes after a sensational season with the bat. The wicketkeeper returned from an overseas stint leaner, fitter and more destructive than ever. He capped off a memorable campaign by scoring a career-best 210 against Eastern Storm in the 4-Day Series final at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein.

The left-hander finished as the competition’s leading run-scorer with 743 runs at an outstanding average of 92.87. Haasbroek said Cloete’s influence extended far beyond the scoreboard.

“Gihahn had a flipping amazing season. It was awesome to see him go about his business and lead the batting attack. I personally learned a lot from him, and I’m looking forward to seeing him dominate Division One the way he dominated Division Two last season.”

The 2026 Cricket South Africa Awards will take place on 16 July in Sandton, where the Knights will hope their trophy-laden season is rewarded with more silverware.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg