MVP award inspires Schwartz to be better

Kian Schwartz was honoured as the Benoni Northerns Cricket Club’s 2024/25 season most valuable player (MVP) during the club’s end-of-season awards on May 16.

Schwartz, who missed the ceremony because of commitments in the UK, was a mainstay in the premier league side in his first season at his ‘home club’, contributing exceptionally with both bat and ball.

Though the all-rounder takes pride in this recognition, he admitted his incredible performances would not have been possible without his teammates, coaches and family.

“It is an enormous honour being named MVP. Cricket, however, is a team game. While individual recognition is special, I see it as a reflection of those around me; family, coaches and support staff,” he said.

Consistency, preparation, motivation and a positive mindset were the key drivers behind the 23-year-old’s performances, but what stood out was how his contribution helped get Northerns’ young and largely inexperienced side over the line.

He returned with 316 runs at an average of 52.67, with a high score of 98 not out, and also took 17 wickets at an average of 21.41, conceding just over four runs per over.

“I am proud of how consistent I was last season. I am more proud that my performances helped get us over the line and also assisted us in growing as a unit. It is a reward that will keep pushing me to be better.”

Describing his first season in South Africa in three years, the Farrarmere resident said it started ‘a bit rocky’ because of disappointing results.

“One thing about our team is we never give up. We finished fourth overall despite not playing our best cricket, a sign of a good team.

“Unfortunately, there was bad weather at the end of the season, which brought our season to an end without getting results in the last three games. But we grew up so much over the season as a team, as well as cricketers,” said Schwartz.

Having plied his trade in the UK and New Zealand over the past five years, the cricketer brought much-needed experience to the BNCC senior team.

He, however, wanted to use his first year playing in South Africa to assess if his game had developed the way he thought it had.

“I tried to bring my experience from playing around the world to help the team in all aspects of the game, but also learn from the players and coaches around me.

“Knowing I had the backing of my team and coaches always made it easier, as I could express myself without fear of failure. I gave it my absolute best every time I was out there for the team,” he said.

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