Quinton de Kock is sportsman of the year

The award came after De Kock’s performances for the Highveld Lions and the national team in one-day and T20 international matches.

“The 20-year-old left-hand batsman and wicket keeper has been a star in the making for a number of years, starting with his achievements at King Edward VII School, then at the society, through to the Lions, and finally for his country,” said society spokesperson Mike Dunk.

The runner-up at the awards ceremony was Nic Gonsalves, who played hockey for South Africa and formed part of the Olympic squad. He was also instrumental in ensuring the club placed third in the premier league.

“Such was the quality of nominations this year that the final choice was the most difficult in many years… We nominated six people as finalists, rather than the usual five. To differentiate between them was an impossible task. They were all worthy winners,” he said.

The nominees for the title were Stephen Cook, De Kock, Gonsalves, Julie Mansour, Neil McKenzie and Dion Willis.

The successes of the club over the year were highlighted at the ceremony. These included the squash team winning seven trophies, including best club in Gauteng; the cricket team with their two Premier League titles; and the tennis team with their world champions who won the Kia International mixed doubles event in Australia.

Other successes achieved by the bowls, junior football, cricket and hockey teams were also mentioned.

“It was a year that will be looked back upon as one of the most successful in the history of the society,” said Dunk.

Naps de Beer won best junior boy for cricket, Imaan Hassim won best junior girl for tennis, Yaseen Valli won best schoolboy playing sport for the society, Brandon Zackey and Julie Mansour won veterans awards, the Premier League cricket team won the team award, the Old Eds cricket club won the sub club of the year award, and Ryan Cook won the sportsmanship award.