The Northern Cape Heat coach, Mark Charlton, has praised his players after receiving several nominations for the Cricket South Africa Awards.

Five of his players in Basheer Walters, Jason Oakes, Ernest Kemm, Johan van Dyk and Hanu Viljoen have all been nominated for Division 2 awards following the 2023/24 domestic season. In addition, Charlton, himself was nominated for the Coach of the Year accolade for a third year in a row.

Ernest Kemm. Picture: Morgan Piek

Walters was nominated for the Division 2 One-Day Cup Player of the Season accolade.

Oakes, Van Dyk, and Viljoen were all nominated for the Division 2 4-Day Player of the Season accolade. Kemm in turn is up for the Division 2 T20 Player of the Season accolade. Van Dyk has, however, moved to the Knights for the 2024/25 season, while Viljoen will join the Dolphins and Oakes will link up with the Tuskers.

Charlton told OFM Sport his players deserve all the credit coming their way.

“I'm very happy for all my players that have been nominated for the Player of the Year awards in the various categories,” said Charlton. “It’s absolutely fantastic, you know it’s always nice to get recognised, and it just shows all the hard work and dedication that has been put in over the last few years, and the players upskilling themselves to gain these awards.

“It definitely bodes well for the rest of the season moving forward and I’m very happy for everyone involved.” The CSA Awards will be taking place on 3 September in Midrand.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cg