Ackerman honoured with player of the year award

AT the annual KwaZulu-Natal Cricket Union awards on Friday evening, batsman Marques Ackerman was given the KZNCU Player of the Year Award following a breakthrough season that saw him debut for the Hollywoodbets Dolphins in all three formats.

It has been a rapid rise through the ranks for Ackerman this season and a century on debut in the CSA 4-Day Franchise Series announced the arrival of the 23 year old left-hander at franchise level.

“I think when I arrived in the Dolphins squad I felt like I needed to prove myself. When I managed to score that hundred in Maritzburg I felt that I belonged at that level and it didn’t feel overwhelming at all for me. I made sure that I stamped my mark and wanted to make it look like I could play at that level,” Ackerman said.

While the domestic season has drawn to a close, Ackerman’s season is not over as he heads over to the United Kingdom for another stint in the Lancashire League.

Ackerman was also awarded the Provincial 3-Day Player of the Season award while spinner Smanagliso Nhlebela won the Provincial 1-Day Player of the Season and Bradley Porteous was awarded the Provincial Newcomer of the Year award.

Young Yves Kamanzi was awarded the Academy Player of the Season following his selection for the national academy side after the franchise academy week.

Following his debut for the Hollywoodbets Dolphins earlier in the season and the part he has played in the South Africa Under 19 side, Thamsanqa Khumalo was awarded the U19 Player of the Season award. Dheyanka Naidoo was the recipient of the Women’s Provincial Player of the Year award.

The important Presidents Award was presented to Lennon Joseph.

Hollywoodbets Dolphins coach Grant Morgan was the guest of honour at the awards and handed out the prizes to the various winners.

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