Mlaba wins Sportswoman of the Year at KZN sports awards

Nonkululeko Mlaba walked away with yet another Sportswoman of the Year award at the KZN Sports Awards held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre (ICC) Durban on Saturday, November 2.

The Hollywoodbets Dolphins and Proteas star spinner’s continuous rise is evident in her recent performance at the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE. The left-arm spinner finished the tournament as the second highest wicket taker and has consistently been in the top ten bowlers’ rankings for T20 cricket.

Mlaba, who is from Ntuzuma in KZN, is a well-documented product of the KwaZulu-Natal Cricket Union (KZNCU), Sunfoil, KZN Department of Sports, Arts and Culture (KZNDSAC) Hub Development Programme.

She has become a shining light for young girls and boys from rural areas proving that they too can become international stars.

“The entire Dolphins cricket family is incredibly proud of the person that Nonkululeko has become and that’s the most important thing,” said CEO of KZN Cricket Heinrich Strydom.

“Her success on the field has been incredible but her ability to carry herself so well off the field is a huge asset to her. At 24-years-old she has shown she is one of the best in the world and there is a lot of cricket ahead of her. Congratulations Nonku on winning the Sportswoman of the Year award again, you are an inspiration to many.”

Mlaba wasn’t the only member of the KZN cricket family that won an award on Saturday. The KZN Cricket Union was awarded the Federation of the Year award once again, and the Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies team received the Team of the Year award.

“Congratulations to our union, our dedicated CEO, and the incredible staff for being honoured with the Federation of the Year Award again,” said president of the KZN Cricket Union, Yunus Bobat.

“This recognition is a testament to your hard work, commitment, and unwavering passion for the sport. I also want to congratulate the Sportswoman of the Year recipient Nonkululeko Mlaba. Your contributions have set a shining example for all, demonstrating the power of resilience and dedication in the world of cricket. Our Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies team, has also done us proud, they were given the Team of the Year award. This accolade reflects the teamwork, skill and determination that you all bring to the field.”

It’s the second time in three years that the KZN Cricket Union has won Federation of the year after they received the award in 2022. The Hollywoodbets Dolphins Ladies beat the KZN Senior and Junior Rhythmic Gymnastics teams to the prestigious award on Saturday evening. The Dolphins won the 2023/24 CSA One Day Challenge and became the first team to win the professional 50 over title.