Three-time Olympian and the greatest sprinter South Africa has produced, Akani Simbine, was named Sports Star of the Year at a glittering ceremony at the 19th SA Sports Awards. The 32-year-old was handed the award ahead of finalists Temba Bavuma (cricket) and Malcolm Marx (rugby).
The SA Sportsman of the Year award went to swimmer Pieter Coetze, who saw off opposition from golf’s Christiaan Maas and boxing’s Kevin Lerena, while athlete Prudence Sekgodiso was named SA Sportswoman of the Year, ahead of Laura Wolvaardt (cricket) and Kira Bester (canoeing).
Cricket was well represented, winning Federation of the Year and overall Team of the Year (men’s Protest Test), while athletics’ Thabo Matebedi was named coach of the year.
Paralympians Simone Kruger and Puseletso Mabote were named Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability and Sportsman of the Year with a Disability, respectively.
ALL THE WINNERS
Sport Star of the Year: Akani Simbine (athletics)
Sportsman of the Year: Pieter Coetze (swimming)
Sportswoman of the Year: Prudence Sekgodiso (athletics)
Sportsman of the Year with a Disability: Puseletso Mabote (para athletics)
Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability: Simone Kruger (para athetics)
National Federation of the Year: Cricket South Africa
Sport Team of the Year: Proteas Men’s Test Cricket
Coach of the Year: Thabo Matebedi (athletics)
Youth/Junior Sport Star of the Year: Bayanda Walaza (athletics)
Youth/Junior Sport Team of the Year: Men’s Under 20 Rugby Team
Volunteer of the Year: Nqobile Kunene (Rural Horse Racing)
Team of the Year: Proteas Men’s Test team (cricket)
Sport Administrator of the Year: Anthony Moruthane (tennis)
Technical Official of the Year: Aimee Barrett-Theron (rugby)
Recreation Body of the Year: Khokho Association South Africa
Steve Tshwete Lifetime Recognition: Veli Nhlapo, Selwyn Nathan, Siya Vabaza-Booi
Minister’s Excellence Recognition: Temba Bavuma, Mustapha Cassiem, Mzwandile Stick, Adriaan Wildschutt, Tasneem Solomons, Rayno Nel
Andrew Mlangeni green jacket: Patson Banda, Prof. Mlungisi Ngubane, Teenage Dladla, Willie Mtolo
Sport Visual Journalist of the Year: Skhu Nkomphela
Sports Media Journalist of the Year: Rachel Makhura