Jacques Nienaber and Springbok captain Siya Kolisi are among the eight nominees from rugby in 22 categories of the 17th annual SA Sport Awards announced this week.
Kolisi, Nienaber, Eben Etzebeth, Manie Libbok, Mark Alexander, the Springboks and SA Rugby all feature among the nominees in various categories for their achievements between 1 September 2022 to 31 August 2023.
The winners will be announced on Sunday, 5 May at the Sun City Superbowl, North-West.
Kolisi has been nominated for Sports Star of the Year as well as People’s Choice Sport Star of the Year, while the latter Etzebeth will compete with his fellow double World Cup winner for the former accolade and Sportsman of the Year.
The Springboks have been nominated as Team of the Year, former boss Nienaber is on the list for the Coach of the Year award and SA Rugby has been nominated in the category for Sports Federation of the Year.
Bok and DHL Stormers playmaker Libbok is one of four nominees in the category for Newcomers of the Year, while SARU president Alexander has been nominated as one of the Administrators of the Year.
The country’s leading women’s referee Aimee Barrett-Theron was also recognised for her achievements being named in the Technical Officer of the Year section.
“Having rugby nominated in nine different categories in the county’s most prestige sports awards, is a massive achievement, and we are proud of each individual for being recognised for their efforts on and off the field,” SARU CEO Oberholzer said.
“This is a testament to the hard work the players, coaches, administrators, match officials and staff put in day after day, and these nominations extend to everyone involved. We wish all of them luck as we look forward to what will be another fantastic awards ceremony.”
“The 17th edition of the South African Sports Awards takes place in a significant time in South Africa’s history,” Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa 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 South African Sport Awards.”
Photo: @Springboks/Twitter
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Src: sarugbymag.co.za
