Provincial sports stars’ achievements recognised at awards
Among the winners was the Polokwane Observer's sports journalist Herbert Rachuene who walked away as Photographer of the Year.
POLOKWANE – The MEC of Sport, Nakedi Sibanda-Kekana recently honoured various sporting personalities and organisations at the Limpopo Sports Awards for their contribution and achievements in the sports fraternity.
The event was held at The Ranch Resort outside Polokwane on Sunday.
Categories included national and international participants, provincial federations, recreational bodies, schools, those involved in indigenous games, the media, photographers, sports women and men, and athletes with a diverse range of abilities.
Sibanda-Kekana praised the recipients who did well to put Limpopo on the map. She congratulated the media who encouraged sports people around the province to work hard.
Recognising individuals involved in the promotion of sports activities in the province is to motivate and encourage them to continue involving themselves in sports, she said.
“Through sport, we are able to keep the community, especially the youth, engaged and away from social ills such as crime, alcohol and drug abuse as well as idle-mindedness.
“The sports awards recognise athletes drawn from various categories in the province.”
She encouraged award recipients to work for the development of the country as they are seen as ambassadors of the province.
She explained sport has a significant role to play in contributing to economic development in society and enhancing the employability of sport participants.
Winners:
Coach of the year – Nakedi Raphako.
Sport administrator of the year – Renuka Rampoo.
Newcomer of the year – Safiya Kahan.
Team of the year – Limpopo Softball men’s team.
Volunteer of the year – Sello Maduma.
Sportman of the year with disability – Donald Ramphedi.
Sportswoman of the year with disability – Sherly James.
Photographer of the year – Herbert Rachuene.
Journalist of the year – Nathi Kunyane.
Soccer stars who play for Banyana Banyana who come back as champions from Limpopo are Lebogang Ramalepe, Noko Matlou, Nomvula Kgoale, Hildah Magaia and Amogelang Motau and were honoured following Banyana’s win of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nation (Wafcon) in Morocco. They received R100 000 each and trophy.
