It’s no secret that both the women’s and men’s teams have gone through incredibly tough seasons, and it looks highly likely that both will be relegated to Division Two for the 2025/26 domestic season. 

It’s pretty much a done deal that the women’s team will drop to a lower level, while the fate of the men’s side still hangs in the balance. Although they finished at the bottom of the relegation log, an ongoing court case could potentially work in their favour.

Despite the challenges faced on the field, the evening was a jol of celebrating outstanding achievements and individual accomplishments. Three awards were handed out to players from the Free State Women’s Cricket Team. Miané Smit. Photo: ICC

Anica Swart was named the Players’ Player of the Year – a real feather in her cap, as it’s voted for by her own teammates. Luyanda Nzuza, who represented South Africa at the ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Malaysia, received the Most Improved Player of the Year award. 

Meanwhile, allrounder Miané Smit was crowned Player of the Year after a season of consistent performances and a call-up to the national squad. She joined the Proteas earlier in the season for the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup in the UAE, where South Africa reached the final. 

She hasn’t made her debut for the senior national women’s team yet, but there’s no doubt that this will happen soon.

Patrick Botha. Photo: Morgan Piek

In the men’s team, Knights veteran Patrick Botha was recognised as the Players’ Player of the Year after another solid season, and his performances with the bat were all about grit and determination as more often than not he took to the crease when the team was in a spot of bother.

The left-arm seam bowler Tiaan van Vuuren was named Most Improved Player of the Year following a decent season with the ball across all three formats, and he led the seam attack with aplomb.

Allrounder Dian Forrester took home the evening’s top honour – Most Valuable Player of the Year. His standout performances included those brilliant back-to-back centuries against the Warriors and Boland in the One-Day Cup, which did put the Free State in a strong position to reach the playoffs.

Forrester told OFM Sport that it’s always special to be recognised for hard work, and while it was a very tough and emotional season, it’s a bit of a silver lining.

“Cricket is a team sport, but it’s always lekker to get some recognition for your individual contributions as well,” said the young allrounder who received the accolade last year as well, albeit there was no awards function.

Dian Forrester. Photo: Morgan Piek

“I’m chuffed and I’m hoping that the court cases will work out for us. It’s great to end the season with an award.

“We’ve been in a similar boat before, we just have to keep fighting. The Free State Cricket Union has a proud history and I believe they’ll bounce back.”

Should the Knights be relegated, Forrester could continue his career elsewhere. Both the Dolphins and Tuskers have reportedly already shown interest in signing him.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek mvh