Mapepeza Online, Soweto TV Lead Finalists for 2023 Gauteng Sport Awards
The anticipation for the 12th edition of the annual Gauteng Sports Awards has reached its peak as the list of finalists has officially been unveiled by the Gauteng MEC of Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation, Morakane Mosupyoe.
The announcement ceremony, which took place at the Chief Mogale Hall in the West Rand region of the province, revealed an impressive lineup of finalists across 20 diverse categories.
Among these, the coveted Sport Personality of the Year award now includes a brand-new car as part of the grand prize.
In support of the annual showcase of the ‘Province of Champions’ the Gauteng Sports Confederation president Vivian Lottering, says the department’s initiative to host the awards in TISH (Townships, Informal Settlements and Hostels) areas is a great move to celebrate local talent in communities.
Notably, this year’s awards showcase excellence achieved from grassroots to professional levels while emphasizing the development of women and young athletes in school sports.
An extraordinary highlight is the presence of all-female finalists in the Coach of the Year and Technical Official of the Year categories.
Additionally, the Clapham High School U15 Soccer Team, the first-ever boys’ winning team in the inaugural Gauteng Schools Football Champions Wednesday League, has received well-deserved recognition.
During the announcement, MEC Morakane Mosupyoe emphasized, “This event is a celebration of talent, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence within the world of sport in Gauteng, the Home of Champions. Each finalist embodies the spirit of resilience, discipline, and passion that we only find in our sporting community.”
As the finalists were unveiled, MEC Mosupyoe reminded everyone of the tremendous effort that goes into achieving such recognition. “Whether you win or not, you are all winners in my book,” she added.
The Gauteng Sport Awards, an annual event that honors and rewards Gauteng’s finest sporting talent, celebrates individuals, teams, and organizations that have excelled in sporting activities both on and off the field during the period from August 1 last year to July 31.
The much-anticipated 2023 Gauteng Sport Awards gala ceremony is scheduled to take place in November 2023.
2023 Gauteng Sport Awards Finalists
Sport Personality of the Year:
- Kgothatso Montjane (Wheelchair Tennis)
- Simone Kruger (Para – Athletics)
- Temba Bavuma (Cricket)
- Ahmad Mahomed (Kickboxing)
Sportsman of the Year:
- Christina Beyers de Klerk (Archery)
- Ahmad Mahomed (Kickboxing)
- Jacques Horn (Equestrian)
Sportswoman of the Year:
- Salaamah Mahomed (Kickboxing)
- Zeney van der Walt (Athletics)
- Taylon Bieldt (Athletics)
Most Promising Sport Team of the Year:
- Clapham High School U15 Soccer Team (Gauteng Schools Football/SAFA Schools Gauteng)
- Dondol Stars Football Club (Mamelodi Local Football Association)
- Caleigh Anders, Naveen Daries, Shante Koti, Garcelle Napier & Caitlin Rooskrantz (Johannesburg Gymnastics Centre)
Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability:
- Kgothatso Monjane (Wheelchair Tennis)
- Simone Kruger (Para Athletics)
- Hlelo Modise (Para Athletics)
Sportsman of the Year with a Disability:
- Yamkela Lukhanyo Ntlanti (Para – Athletics)
- Daniel Tumiso Molobela (Para – Athletics)
- Buhle Bhidla (Blind Cricket)
Sport Team of the Year with a Disability:
- Kwa-Thema Disability Club (Para – Athletics)
- UJ DDS Club (Multi Coded)
- Gauteng Lionesses (Wheelchair Basketball)
Coach of the Year:
- Lindi Du Plessis (Athletics)
- Emily Mathosa (Netball)
- Ilse Roets Pelser (Gymnastics)
Technical Official of the Year:
- Hayley Walker (Figure Skating)
- Bella Mpho Makhoba (Tennis)
- Khensani Charity Molaudzi (Athletics)
Administrator of the Year:
- Asanda Isaac Bidla (Darts)
- Stephen Maphike (Darts)
- Anne Waldek Thill (Figure Skating)
Most Promising Athlete:
- Siyavuya Mgulwa (Equestrian)
- Chane Vermeulen (Athletics)
- Hendre Barend Verhoef (Archery)
- Tumi Ramokgopa (Archery)
Sport Photographer of the Year:
- Sthembiso Sydney Mahlangu (Backpagepix Media)
- Christo Elinza (Tandala Photography)
- Denga Netshituka (Freelancer)
Sport Fan of the Year:
- Bambanani Brass Brand (Lions Cricket)
- Basetsana Mtsweng (Mamelodi Sundowns)
- Oliver Mphahlele (Langaville Kaizer Chiefs Branch)
Sport Journalist of the Year:
- Timmy Maranda (Radio 2000)
- Palesa Manaleng (Eye Witness News)
Amayanga Yanga Athlete of the Year:
- Winnie Karabo Masemola (Tennis)
- Wandiswa Msimang (Athletics & Gymnastics)
- Mpho Bowers (Tennis)
Community Sport and Recreation Programme of the Year:
- Footgolf South Africa (Footgolf South Africa – FGSA)
- Katlego Dean (Faith & Hope Foundation – Community Events)
- Altus Sport (Multiple Sporting Codes)
Federation of the Year:
- Gauteng Darts Federation (Darts)
- Gauteng Wheelchair Basketball (Basketball)
Community Sports Media of the Year:
- Stephen Seakgwe (Mapepeza Online)
- Soweto TV (Soweto Community Channel NPC)
- Mahlodi Ranku (Alex FM)
Sports Team of the Year:
- Central Gauteng Lions Blind Cricket (Cricket)
- Athletics Gauteng North Senior Track & Field Team (Athletics)
- RSA U23 Coxless Pair (Christopher Baxter & Damien Bonhage – Koen) (Rowing)
The recipient of the Life-Time Achievement Award will be chosen by the MEC and announced at the awards ceremony.