Rugby stars Kolisi, Etzebeth in line for prizes at SA Sport Awards

Springbok rugby stars Eben Etzebeth and Siya Kolisi, along with Bafana Bafana attacker Percy Tau, long-distance queen Gerda Steyn and sailor Kirsten Neuschäfer, have been nominated in the People’s Choice category for the 17th edition of the South African Sport Awards (Sasa).

Kolisi, who was this week included in the list of the 100 most influential people by Time magazine, is also a nominee in the Sports Star of the Year category with swimmer Tatjana Smith and Paralympian Simoné Kruger.

The nominees were announced on Wednesday by sports minister Zizi Kodwa, who confirmed that the awards ceremony would take place on May 5 at the Sun City Superbowl.

“The 17th edition of the South African Sports Awards takes place in a significant time in SA’s history,” the minister said.

“We celebrate 30 years of democracy and our national athletes and teams have been raising the nation’s flag sky high.

“In the South African Sport Awards we celebrate the role sport continues to play to unite our diverse people and in lifting the nation ’ s mood.

“South African sport is enjoying unprecedented success.

“Our athletes and sports teams have made us all so proud with their performances,” he said.

“I congratulate all the nominees for the 17th edition of the awards.

“The SABC is proud to be the host broadcaster for the awards.”

SABC group chief executive Nomsa Chabeli said the broadcaster was “excited we are part of this historic moment of honouring key sports talent in the country and we wish the nominees all the best”.

“We are looking forward to broadcasting this event live on our platforms”.

The nominees are:

Sports Administrator of the Year: Mark Alexander, Sibongile Fondini, Louis Polome

Sportswoman of the Year: Kirsten