Last night the minister of sport, arts and culture Nathi Mthethwa, hosted various sporting codes that did well in their previous international games, as part of the Recognition of Excellence in Sport Awards dinner at Emperors Palace, Ekurhuleni.
Disabled sport athletes’ took most of the awards that was complemented by a cool R20. 000 for each athlete.
World Para Wheelchair champion Kgothatso Montjane was one of the stars recognised and said, whenever she wears that SA jersey its all about the country and nothing else.
Montjane who came in late due to training as she prepares for the Japan Olympics, further said:” Being recognised for our work is a humbling experience. We put hours and efforts to put our flag high and such occasion’s shows our dividends do pay in the form of being recognised by our country and peers,” she said shyly.
Her counterparts who were also honoured included Noluthando Makalima- World Para-Surfing champion.
The Khayalitsha born, Cape Town, dressed to the nines, dedicated the award to her daughter.
Other athletes’ included Greg Minnaar, South African World Champion mountain bike racer and Motorsport world champ wonder kid Brad Binder, both in absentia due to international engagements.
The evening also belonged to the Proteas Womens’ team that has just returned from their successful trip in India.
On 17 March, the Proteas beat India by five wickets in the final one-day international (ODI) to win the five-match ODI series 4-1 and rise to second in the world behind Australia in the latest International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s ODI team rankings, displacing England, who drop down to the third place.
South Africa last won an ODI series in India in 2014.
The entire team was present and rewarded for their efforts on the evening.
Mthethwa said sport has been spared as a result of the pandemic and they took a big chance to honour their stars in a manner that befits.
“Our athletes’ continue to do great strides internationally and its only appropriate we honour them, to show the love and respect we have for them, as they fly our flag internationally,” said the heavily shielded Mthethwa, for reasons best known to his team.
Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana drew 1-all against Ghana in the Afcon 2022 Qualifier at FNB Stadium, last night.
Although SA team still have a chance to qualify, they will have to stamp that authority on their away game on Sunday against Sudan.
Ghana opened the score through Netherlands-based Mohammed Kudus.
Host equalised through EPL’s Brighton forward Percy Tau.
Image SLM (Athletes’ honoured at the Recognition of Excellence in Sport Awards dinner held at Emperors Palace, Ekurhuleni).
