Wicketkeeper-batsman Kyle Verreynne was named Player of the Year, 4-Day Series Player of the Year, Fans’ Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year at Friday’s annual Cape Cobras awards.
Vereynne’s prize money totalled R48,000 – R20,000 for Player of the Year, R15,000 for Players’ Player of the Year, R10,000 for 4-Day Series Player of the Year and R3,000 for Fans’ Player of the Year.
Verreynne welcomed 680 runs in eight innings at an average of 97.14 in the 2020-21 4-Day Domestic Series, with a highest score of 216 not out against the Warriors at Newlands in Cape Town. The wicketkeeper also took 18 wickets and made one stumping.
Having debuted at ODI level in 2020, he also broke into the Test and T20 squads for South Africa’s series with Pakistan this year.
Spinner Imran Manack was named One-Day Cup Player of the Year. He collected eight wickets in five innings at an average of 28.75 and economy rate of 4.92. He was the joint-highest wicket-taker, alongside the Lions’ Sisanda Magala.
All-rounder George Linde won the T20 Challenge Player of the Year award. Linde hit 119 runs in five innings at an average of 29.75 and strike rate of 167.60, with a highest score of 48 not out against the Warriors at Kingsmead in Durban. He also took eight wickets in five innings at an average of 17.37 and economy rate of 6.95, with best figure of four for 25 – also against the Warriors.
Spinner Siyabonga Mahima was awarded the Young Player of the Year trophy. The 24-year-old impressed in limited-overs cricket, snaring a hat-trick against the Dolphins at Kingsmead in Durban.
“I wish I could express myself in a way that makes sense of how I’m feeling about this. I’m truly humbled and grateful to have represented the Cape Cobras,” said Mahima. “Thanks to the Cobras for giving me the opportunity to showcase my skills. Thanks to everyone else that played a role in making me feel comfortable and at home.”
2020-21 Cape Cobras awards
- Player of the Year: Kyle Verreynne
- 4-Day Series Player of the Year: Kyle Verreynne
- One-Day Cup Player of the Year: Imran Manack
- T20 Challenge Player of the Year: George Linde
- Young Player of the Year: Siyabonga Mahima
- Players’ Player of the Year: Kyle Verreynne
- Fans’ Player of the Year: Kyle Verreynne