Rugby stars Kolisi, Etzebeth in line for prizes at SA Sports 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.
“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 Neuschäfer, Tatjana Smith, Laura Wolvaardt
Sportsman of the Year: Andrew Birkett, Eben Etzebeth, Sivenathi Nontshinga
Sportsman of the Year with a Disability: Mpumelelo Mhlongo, Donald Tebogo Ramphadi, David Watts
Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability: Simoné Kruger, Kat Swanepoel, Kgothatso Montjane
Coach of the Year: Jacques Nienaber, Rocco Meiring, Jason Sewanyana
Sports Journalist of the Year: Khanyiso Tshwaku, Sihle Ndebele,
Vaylen Kirtley
Sport Photo or Visual Journalist of the Year: Samuel Shivambu, Vincent Matlou, Kirsten Olivier
Newcomer of the Year: Gerald Coetzee, Manie Libbok, Karabo Cassius Morapedi, Elanza Jordaan
Volunteer of the Year: Hubert Oliphant, Beka Ntsangwese, Zelma Basson
Sports Star of the Year: Siya Kolisi, Tatjana Smith, Simoné Kruger
Team of the Year: Springboks, T20 Women Cricket Team, Sheep Shearing
Federation of the Year: South African Rugby Union, Cricket South Africa, Cycling South Africa
Recreation Body of the Year: Amandal WC, Vakhegulavhakhegula, Made 4 More
Indigenous Games Team of the Year: KZN Kho-kho Male Team, LP Nvuca Team, GP Diketo Team
School Team of the Year: Hoër Landbouskool Oakdale, Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool, Clapham High
Developing School of the Year: Edendale Technical High, MM Sebitloane Special, Hlabi
Technical Official of the Year: Sean Rapaport, Reinet Barnard, Aimee Barrett-theron
People’s Choice Award: Eben Etzebeth, Gerda Steyn, Siya Kolisi, Percy Tau, Kirsten Neuschäfer