Springbok stars Siya Kolisi and Eben Etzebeth are set to battle it out for the prestigious People’s Choice award alongside Bafana Bafana player Percy Tau, road running queen Gerda Steyn and sailor Kirsten Neuschafer.
The four local sports stars were confirmed as the nominees for the category in this year’s edition of the SA Sports Awards.
The 17th edition of the awards will be hosted by the Department of Sports at the North West’s Sun City Superbowl on Sunday, May 5.
The People’s Choice award recipient is decided through the public’s vote.
Kolisi, Etzebeth, Neuschafer and swimming sensation Tatjana Smith (nee Schoenmaker) have all received two nominations apiece.
The two-time Rugby World Cup-winning skipper is also nominated for the Sports Star of the Year while his close friend and back-to-back World Cup winner Etzebeth appears in the Sportsman of the Year category as well.
Smith got the nod in the Sports Star of the Year and Sportswoman of the Year alongside Neuschafer.
Sports minister Zizi Kodwa said national athletes and teams have been raising the nation’s flag sky-high and these awards celebrate the role sport continues to play to unite diverse people and lift 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 Sports Awards,” said Kodwa.
South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) will broadcast the event.
Rian Oberholzer on rugby's #SASportAward nominees: "We are proud of each individual for being recognised for their efforts on and off the field" - more here: https://t.co/VvzGnIAsWx ✅#StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/vSfgZAbMIw
— Springboks (@Springboks) April 18, 2024
Nominees:
SPORT ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR
- Mark Alexander
- Sibongile Fondini
- Louis Polome
SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR
- Kisten Neuschafer
- 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
- Simone 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
- Simone Kruger
TEAM OF THE YEAR
- Springbok
- T20 Women’s 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
- Vakhegula-Vhakhegula
- Made 4 More
INDIGENOUS GAME TEAM
- KZN Kho-Kho Male Team
- LP Nvuca Team
- GP Diketo Team
SCHOOL TEAM OF THE YEAR
- Hoer Lanbouskool Oakdale – Tug of War 560kg Men
- Afrikaanse Hoer Meisieskool – netball
- Clapham High School – football
DEVELOPING SCHOOL OF THE YEAR
- Edendale Technical High School U-15 girls
- MM Sebitloane Special School
- Hlabi School
Technical Official of the year
- Sean Rapaport
- Reinet Barnard
- Aimee Barrett-Theron
PEOPLE’S CHOICE Nominees (this category Sport fans are encouraged to participate by voting for their athlete of choice by SMS 120*32020# followed by an alphabet representing their athlete of choice.
A: Eben Etzebeth
B: Gerda Steyn
C: Siya Kolisi
D: Percy Tau
E: Kirsten Neuschafer
