Temba Bavuma says SA cricket is in a good place after award nominations

Bavuma is nominated for Sports Star of the Year alongside athletics star Akani Simbine and rugby’s Malcolm Marx. 

The Proteas are also nominated for Team of the Year, while coach Shukri Conrad is in the running for Coach of the Year.

The awards will take place at Sun City in the North West on Sunday evening. 

Bavuma says the recognition is encouraging and shows that 2025 was a successful year for South African cricket.

"I'm very encouraged. I think 2025 was a good year not just for myself but for the team as well. This shows that cricket is in a good space and I'll use this nomination as energy and motivation to keep me going." 

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The 2025 season will go down as one of the most successful years for the Proteas. 

They won the ICC World Test Championship, while Bavuma led South Africa to a historic Test series victory over India on their home soil. 

With South Africa set to host the 2027 Cricket World Cup, Bavuma has a big dream of becoming the first Proteas captain to lift the trophy on home soil. 

He admits it is a huge ambition, but says it is something he would love to achieve while trying not to put too much pressure on himself.

"Growing up, the dream was always to represent South Africa and play international test cricket, and getting the opportunity to lead the team to a historic feat was amazing. We are looking to achieve more greatness at next year's 50-over World Cup."

After a relatively quiet start to the year, the Proteas face a busy end to the season. Bavuma will lead the team through a demanding schedule, including a tour of Namibia and a series in Australia.