This is usually a sociable occasion to honour the players and the team for their achievements from the previous season, and it is also the official start of the new campaign.

The Knights did not collect any silverware during the 2019/20 season, but many of the players made their voices heard on the field and the team also advanced to the semi-finals of the Momentum One-Day Cup. The Knights were well on their way to possibly winning the 50-over tournament, but the Covid-19 pandemic had other plans and cricket was suspended worldwide due to the virus.

The batsman, Raynard van Tonder, was named the as the Domestic Four-Day Series Player of the Year after another excellent season, which led to him appearing on the Proteas radar.

Jacques Snyman, who is an opening batsman and is also used as a spin bowler, was named the Momentum One-Day Cup Player of the Year.  His performance with the willow, especially in the later parts of the tournament, ensured that the Knights advanced to the semi-finals. The player also faced England in a warm-up match for a South African Invitational XI in Paarl. His hard work was rewarded with his first full-time contract with the Knights.

The former SA U 19 wicketkeeper, Wandile Makwetu, undoubtedly made his mark in first-class cricket and was named as the Most Improved Player of the Year. During the season, he was also installed as the captain of the Knights in the absence of Pite van Biljon, who in turn was involved with the Proteas. Earlier this year, Makwetu was also honoured by Cricket South Africa as the most improved player.

Shaun von Berg has only been with the Knights for one season, but considered as the banker in the team, and is Mr. Reliable. His years of experience were extremely valuable to the Knights and the spin bowler was named the Players' Player of the Year. The Knights' “Shane Warne”, as his teammates see him, excelled in all formats for the team and will once again be the "go-to guy" in the next campaign.

The versatile Patrick Kruger received the Fans Choice Award.

The big winner, however, was the captain Pite van Biljon, who made his debut for the Proteas in the T20 International Series against Australia last season. Van Biljon, who has struggled with injuries, was named as the Most Valuable Player of the Year.

Biljon told Bloemfontein Courant that this year is very different due to the Coronavirus, but they are ready for the new campaign.

“The men are all busy and working hard. Usually, we pull together for the awards event and that is always a good team-building session. We have been working in small groups, and in group fieldwork sessions for some time. The men look good and fit, so we are just waiting for the new season to start. ”

The big news from the evening was however that the Proteas all-rounder, Farhaan Behardien, will be linking up with the Knights on a two-year contract at the end of his spell with the English Country team, Durham.

As things stand now, the 2020/21 domestic cricket season will start in November, but the dates and fixtures have not yet been fully confirmed as the situation in the country could change.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport