SOUTH AFRICA CELEBRATES TWO DECADES OF SPORTING EXCELLENCE AT GLITTERING AWARDS CEREMONY
The Sun City Superbowl in North West lit up for the 19th South African Sport Awards, drawing athletes, coaches, administrators and volunteers to celebrate nearly two decades of national sporting achievement. Themed “Crowned in Greatness,” the evening honoured the men and women whose performances have defined South Africa’s presence on the world stage, giving millions of citizens reason to cheer.
Akani Simbine, the electrifying sprinter, claimed Sport Star of the Year, cementing his status as a symbol of consistency and quiet determination. Year after year, Simbine carries the hopes of a nation on the track. His recognition crowned a career marked by relentless pursuit of excellence and an ability to deliver when the spotlight shines brightest.
The Protea Men’s Test Cricket team matched that individual brilliance by securing Team of the Year honours following their historic maiden ICC World Test Championship victory in 2025. The triumph, sealed against Australia at Lord’s, ended decades of painful near-misses and lifted an entire country in shared ecstasy. Cricket united the nation from townships to boardrooms, from rural villages to urban centres, as fans gathered to cheer every boundary and wicket before that unforgettable trophy lift.
Recognition extended across multiple sporting disciplines. Prudence Sekgodiso was named Sportswoman of the Year after securing South Africa’s first women’s indoor gold medal in the 800m at the World Athletics Indoor Championships. Pieter Coetze claimed Sportsman of the Year for his outstanding swimming talent, continuing a tradition of excellence in the pool.
Para-athletes received prominent recognition. Simoné Kruger took Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability in athletics, while Puseletso Mabote was crowned Sportsman of the Year with a Disability for his outstanding performances in the Para athletics 400m T63. Their achievements remind the public that sporting greatness takes many forms.
Meanwhile, youth talent shone through Bayanda Walaza, named Youth/Junior Sport Star of the Year in athletics, and the Men’s under-20 Rugby Team, honoured as Youth/Junior Sport Team of the Year. Technical excellence was recognised through Aimee Barrett-Theron as Technical Official of the Year in rugby, while Thabo Matebedi earned Coach of the Year honours in athletics for guiding athletes to new heights.
Anthony Moruthane of Tennis South Africa received the Sport Administrator of the Year award. His dedicated leadership has strengthened the sport’s foundations, expanded opportunities and ensured tennis continues to grow as a vehicle for development and national pride. Administrators like Moruthane are the unsung architects of success, their vision and tireless work creating the platforms on which stars shine.
Grassroots and community sport received vital recognition. The Khokho Association South Africa was named Recreation Body of the Year, celebrating a traditional game that builds community and joy. Nqobile Kunene of Rural Horse Racing was honoured as Sport Volunteer of the Year, a tribute to the passion that keeps sport alive in every corner of the country. These awards matter most to ordinary South Africans, whose daily lives are touched not by elite competition alone but by the local clubs, volunteers and administrators who make participation possible.
Media excellence was acknowledged through Skhu Nkomphela as Sport Visual Journalist of the Year and Rachel Makhura as Sports Media Journalist of the Year, ensuring the stories of these heroes reach every South African.
Lifetime contributions received deep respect. The Steve Tshwete Lifetime Achievement Awards went to Siya Vabaza-Booi, Selwyn Nathan and Veli Nhlapo. The prestigious Andrew Mlangeni Green Jacket was bestowed upon William Mtolo, Nelson “Teenage” Dladla, Mlungisi Raphael “Professor” Ngubane and Patson “Kamuzu” Banda. Excellence Awards recognised Rayno Nel, Tasneem Solomons and captain Temba Bavuma, whose leadership has been central to cricket’s golden chapter.
From athletic tracks and cricket grounds to swimming pools, rugby fields, tennis courts and rural community sports, these codes have woven a tapestry of national unity. They have given South Africans moments of pure joy, shared heartbreak and ultimate triumph. They have shown young people that resilience can overcome setbacks and that greatness is within reach. The 19th South African Sport Awards affirmed that South African sport continues to crown its heroes in greatness, those who broke records, those who fought back, those who administered with vision, those who volunteered with heart and those who simply never stopped believing. The question now is which young South African, watching from a township field or a rural track, will stand in that spotlight next.