Dwaine Pretorius and Bjorn Fortuin dominated the Lions’ Annual Awards for their performances in the 2016-17 domestic season.

The Highveld Lions had their Annual Awards Function at The Palace of the Lost City in Sun City on Sunday Evening. The event was a way to honour the achievements of individuals in the franchise in the 2016-17 domestic season.

The Bowler of the Year award went to Newcomer of the Year Bjorn Fortuin, who had a breakthrough season. The 22-year-old’s performances for SA Emerging and North West in the Africa T20 Cup last year earned him a professional contract.

He has emerged as an important player for his side, with his coach Geoffrey Toyana tipping him as one to watch for the future.

Fortuin season stats:

Bowling	Matches	Wickets	Average	Econ	BBI	BBM
Sunfoil Series	7	15	34.13	2.83	4-56	4-89
One Day Cup	9	10	37.20	4.83	3-34	–
T20 Challenge	9	12	18.75	7.29	4-39	–

Batting	Matches	Runs	Average	50s	100s	High Score
Sunfoil Series	7	217	24.11	2	0	72

Pretorius picked up Batsman of the Year, Players’ Player of the year, as well as Player of the Year. The all-rounder missed some matches due to Proteas duties, but still managed to put in stellar performances for his side, carrying over his domestic form into matches for the Proteas.

Eighteen-year-old Wiaan Mulder was open about how Pretorius has influenced him positively as a player and how he is one of his role models in the side.

‘I really look up to Dwaine Pretorius, who recently got his call-up to the national side,’ Mulder tells SA Cricket Magazine.

‘He’s a professional sportsman. He never does anything to hinder his performance, he exercises regularly and eats the right things. He’s also an all-rounder and if I could do half what he’s doing I think I’ll be a very decent cricketer.’

Pretorius season stats:

Batting	Matches	Runs	Average	50s	100s	High Score
Sunfoil Series	6	524	52.40	5	0	97
One Day Cup	5	150	30.00	0	1	131
T20 Challenge	6	52	10.40	0	0	49

Bowling	Matches	Wickets	Average	Econ	BBI	BBM
Sunfoil Series	6	20	24.45	2.63	6-81	7-128
One Day Cup	5	3	–	–	2-66	–
T20 Challenge	6	6	25.50	9.00	2-14

Lions Chief Executive Officer, Greg Fredericks, was accepting of their poor season, but delighted with the effort by the players in all formats.

‘This has not been our best of seasons, but given that nine players made their franchise debuts including an 18-year-old schoolboy, and having lost some of the most experienced professionals, it was to be expected,’ he said.

‘We are incredibly impressed with the growth shown by so many of our players this season. I am proud of the manner in which our players have kept joining the charge and especially of our national representatives, as well as Dwaine and Bjorn.’

Player of the Year: Dwaine Pretorius

Players’ Player of the Year: Dwaine Pretorius

Newcomer of the Year: Bjorn Fortuin

Batsman of the Year: Dwaine Pretorius

Bowler of the Year: Bjorn Fortuin