Mohlakeng hosts the 2023 Gauteng Sports Awards
Gauteng to Celebrate Sporting Excellence and Legacy at Ace Ntsoelengoe Stadium
The highly anticipated Gauteng Sports Awards 2022/23 are set to take place at the Ace Ntsoelengoe Stadium in Mohlakeng, near Randfontein within the Randwest Municipality, on Saturday November 18.
This iconic venue, named after one of South Africa’s football legends, Patrick Pule ‘Ace’ Ntsoelengoe, is the perfect setting to honor the extraordinary achievements of Gauteng-based athletes, teams, officials, and media within the sports fraternity.
A Legacy of Excellence: Ace Ntsoelengoe
The Ace Ntsoelengoe Stadium pays tribute to the remarkable legacy of Patrick Pule ‘Ace’ Ntsoelengoe, one of the country’s greatest footballers.
The former Kaizer Chiefs star not only left an indelible mark on the South African football scene but also ventured abroad, playing alongside legends like Pele in the United States and Canada. In October 2008, Ace Ntsoelengoe was posthumously awarded the Order of iKhamaga, South Africa’s highest honor for individuals who excel in arts, culture, literature, music, journalism, and sport. His contributions to the world of sports earned him the Gauteng Sports Awards Lifetime Achievement award, recognizing his invaluable impact.
In 2003, Ace Ntsoelengoe’s legendary career was further commemorated as he was inducted into the American Soccer Hall of Fame, solidifying his place in the rich history of the sport in the United States, where he spent 11 seasons.
Celebrating Excellence and Inspiring the Youth
The forthcoming awards ceremony in November serves as the pinnacle moment to celebrate and acknowledge the accomplishments of Gauteng-based athletes, teams, officials, and media within the sports arena. Gauteng, known for its continued production of top-tier athletes and teams, has contributed significantly to the South African sports landscape.
This year’s event carries the theme “Enabling excellence, Inspiring the youth.” It’s a tribute to those who have excelled between the periods of 01 August 2022 and 31 July 2023, setting an inspiring example for the next generation of sports enthusiasts.
A Thrilling Competition: Sports Personality of the Year
The Gauteng Sports Awards 2022/23 will feature 20 distinct categories that recognize excellence in various aspects of sports. Among these, the Sports Personality of the Year award stands out as one of the most coveted.
The winner in this category will drive away with a brand-new car, making it a significant milestone for the recipient. What’s unique about this category is that the winner is decided by public voting through SMS, creating an engaging competition for fans and supporters.
For the remaining categories, except the Lifetime Achievement, the recipients will be determined by an independent 7-member panel, which includes several esteemed members of the media.
New Horizons: Sports Photographer of the Year
This year, the Gauteng Sports Awards have introduced a new category, the Sports Photographer of the Year. This addition opens up the opportunity for talented photographers to receive recognition for their contributions to the world of sports photography.
The Gauteng Sports Awards have become a platform to celebrate the achievements and legacy of South African sports, honoring the exceptional talents that continue to inspire and excel.
The event on November 18, at the Ace Ntsoelengoe Stadium, promises to be a night filled with excitement, recognition, and the celebration of sporting excellence. It’s an occasion not to be missed as Gauteng, a hub of athletic talent, gathers to pay tribute to its sports heroes.