Kass Naidoo

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Kass Naidoo Commercial Manager of Cricket South Africa.

An award-winning sports journalist who defied the odds, Kass achieving her childhood dream of becoming South Africa’s first female cricket commentator at the age of 27. 

Kass’ foray into sports media started two years before that, in March 2003, when she landed the plum role of anchoring SABC Sport’s coverage of the ICC Cricket World Cup held in South Africa. 

A few months later, during the Boxing Day test in 2003 between South Africa and West Indies, Kass made her radio cricket commentary debut on Radio 2000, which strengthened her desire to strive for her goal of becoming a television cricket commentator.

In December 2004, Kass began hosting the prestigious cricket post match presentations; the first woman in the world to be given this opportunity in international cricket.

 

Then, in October 2005, Kass achieved her dream of becoming a television cricket commentator during the One Day home series between New Zealand and South Africa. She went on to commentate on series also featuring Australia, India, and Pakistan.

Her international commentary debut came at the 2006 Hong Kong Cricket Sixes, at the legendary Kowloon Cricket club, where South Africa clinched the coveted title.

In August 2006, Kass was appointed to the International Cricket Council’s voting academy to choose the International Women’s Cricketer of the Year, and was again invited to choose the 2007 Award recipient.

In September 2007, Kass co-hosted the International Cricket Council Awards with top ESPN-Star cricket anchor, Harsha Bhogle; the first South African to be given this honour.

After five seasons in cricket broadcasting, and having made her mark internationally in this traditionally male dominated industry, Kass decided to take a break from her TV commitments to focus on the gsport initiative, which is fast gaining popularity among South Africa’s women.

Kass as MC

Kass has carried her natural and confident style into her role as a Master of Ceremonies, and has had great success hosting top sport and business events, including:

 

Sport:

2007 ABSA SA Rugby  Player of the Year Awards Banquet

2007 Standard Bank Natural Born Hitters' Breakfast

Mutual & Federal SA Cricket Awards (2005, 2006, 2007)

2007 Standard Bank Tribute to Women in Cricket Lunch

2006 MTN Cricket Sponsorship Launch

2006 ABSA SA Rugby Awards Banquet

2006 Desmond Tutu Diversity Trust Dinner

2005 Women’s Cricket World Cup

 

Business:

2007 Vodacom Journalist of the Year Awards

2007 International Cricket Council Annual Awards

2007 SPAR 45th Anniversary Gala Dinner

2007 Mercedes Trophy Finals

2006 PetroSA Fischer-Tropsch Launch

2006 ACSA Feather Awards

2006 SAB Suppliers Banquet

2006 FNB Innovators Awards