Bavuma says South African cricket is thriving after award nods

Temba Bavuma believes South African cricket is in a strong position after a successful 2025 season earned recognition at the national sports awards. The Proteas captain is nominated for Sports Star of the Year, while the team is shortlisted for Team of the Year.

Bavuma will compete for the individual award against athletics star Akani Simbine and rugby player Malcolm Marx. Proteas coach Shukri Conrad is also among the nominees for Coach of the Year. The ceremony is scheduled for Sunday evening at Sun City in the North West.

The nominations follow a landmark period for South Africa’s Test side. The Proteas won the ICC World Test Championship, and Bavuma led them to a historic Test series victory over India on Indian soil.

Bavuma said the recognition reflected progress across the national team rather than only his own contribution. He viewed the nomination as encouragement and an added source of motivation as South Africa pursue further success.

His ambitions extend to the 2027 Cricket World Cup, which South Africa will host. Bavuma wants to become the first Proteas captain to lift the 50-over World Cup on home soil, although he also acknowledges the scale of that target and the need to avoid placing excessive pressure on himself.

South Africa’s schedule will become demanding towards the end of the season. Bavuma is set to lead the team on a tour of Namibia and in a series in Australia, giving the Proteas further opportunities to build on the achievements that placed them among this year’s award nominees.