As expected Boks captain and Rugby World Cup winner Siya Kulisi, was named the People’s Choice of the Year, boxer Moruti Mthalane won Sportsman of the Year and swimmer Tatjana Schoenmaker scooped two awards which includes -Sport Star Award and Sportswoman of the Year, respectively.
Kolisi, who was accompanied by wife said he was honoured at his age to have been given such responsibility to carry on his shoulders, the country and the team to this milestone.
“For now its about me as the captain but the real accolades should be directed to my teammates whom without, would’ve not achieved the world cup. Importantly, to my coach as well who took a gamble on me considering the injury I had prior to the world cup,” he told this reporter.
Youngster and Golf genious Sim Tshabalala says to be recognized by his country was fulfilling.
The (8) was presented with the Minister’s Excellence Award “with my name on”.
Asked he grade learner what made him to stay focus on both his Golf and studies, he commented shyly:” On anything that I do, I pray a lot with my family that helps me remain on my lane and respect others. Both my studies and Golf are important to me”.
“I hope other kids do the same: pray hard and respect their elders,” says ‘Sim Tiger’ (nickname) who coincidentally is a great fan of Tiger Woods and Louis Oosthuizen, respectively,” said the Grade 2 learner.
Boasting a handicap 1.7, ‘Sim Tiger’ clad in a blue-suit also thanked his father for he has been his pillar of strength and big critic.
Alan Fritz from Swimming SA, says although still battling with sponsorship they still continue to fly high the SA flag, with athletes breaking records world-wide.
The out-going Boks coach Rassie Erasmus noted that the RWC has once again united the country despite challenges we face.
“Yes, sport is a unifying factor and we trust this would boil down to the others,” says Erasmus who jokingly teased a cold-beer will do.
Winners list:
Choice Award
Siya Kolisi
Sport Star Award
Tatjana Schoenmaker
Sportsman of The Year
Moruti Mthalane
Sportswoman of The Year
Tatjana Schoenmaker
Coach of The Year
Rassie Erasmus
Volunteer of The Year
Mervyn Mooi – WINNER
Sportswoman of The Year with Disability
Anrune Liebenberg- Weyers
Sportsman of The Year with Disability
Ntando Mahlangu
Team of The Year
Spar Proteas
Newcomer of The Year
Michael Houlie
Indigenous Games Team of The Year
KZN Khokho Female team
Recreational Body
United through Sports
Photographer of The Year
Philip Maeta
Sports Journalist of The Year
Nduduzo Dladla
School Team of The Year
St Benedict’s College
Developing School Team of The Year
Ikhwezilesizwe Primary School under 13
Federation of the Year
Netball SA
Steve Tshwete Lifetime Achievement Award
Clive Barker
Thulani ‘Shugaboy’ Malinga
Jomo Sono
Chester Williams
Minister Sport Awards of Excellence
Edward Mothibi
Zane Waddell
Karl Pretorious
Sim Tshabalala
Yes, inzinja Ze Game have spoken!
Image Mdu Mphahlele (Sim meet Siya. Golf genius Sim Tshabalala (Minister’s Excellence Award) posing with RWC winning captain Siya Kolisi at the 14th edition of SA Sport Awards held in Durban on Sunday evening.)
