DUNDEE BOXING PROTÉGÉ SWEEPS THE BOARDS DURING GLITZ AND GLAMOUR OF THE KZN SPORT AWARDS
Commonwealth bronze medallist and boxing protégé, Dundee-born Phiwokuhle Mnguni became the biggest winner at the KZN Sport Awards held on Saturday evening, 08 October 2022, at the Durban International Convention Centre.
Mnguni, who was reduced to tears, swept the boards and walked away with Sports Personality of Year as well as Sportswoman of the year, two coveted awards that netted her a combined R100 000 as well as a brand-new vehicle. The winner of the Sportsman of the Year, mountain biker Greg Minnaar also walked away with a new car and a R50 000 cheque. The vehicles were sponsored by sports apparel brand, Joma Sports SA.
“I’m so happy, I don’t know what to say. I never expected this. There are many good sports people and athletes. Thank you KZN for voting for me and for appreciating my talent,” said the featherweight boxer who is one of the few successful stories of women boxing in the country.
MEC Amanda Bani-Mapena heaped praise on Mnguni saying she is an inspiration to many women and young people.
“She has shown that it is all possible. That is why I said in my address that these are the sport stars that have contributed immensely to KwaZulu-Natal sporting culture from which young and aspiring sports people draw inspiration,” said Bani-Mapena.
The 2022 KZN Sport Awards have proven to be a significant programme that has built its reputation to the empowerment of individuals and promoting the development of inclusive communities.
The Awards seek to recognize, celebrate and reward excellence from the province's sporting men and women, amplify their contribution in carrying the sport sector to stratospheric levels. This recognition and the magnitude of excellence have proven that the sport sector is increasingly showing signs of breaking the proverbial ceiling, crashing the cycle and pushing through their greatness.
Sporting personalities across various codes of sport were honored in 19 different categories and three special MEC Awards. They honour the successes and commitment of athletes, teams, coaches, administrators, volunteers, technical officials, media personnel as well as sport and recreation bodies.
Bani-Mapena expressed her gratitude at the resounding success of the 2022 KZN Sport Awards. The esteemed awards were hosted to give recognition to those that have shown commitment and discipline in their various sporting disciplines.
Bani-Mapena commended the KwaZulu-Natal sports fraternity for their continued efforts to invade the sector and unlock more opportunities for people that they were deprived of. She expressed her gratitude to all sponsors for their continued support in making the awards a resounding success.
Other winners include KZN Chess which walked away with the Innovation Award and Edendale Technical High School. The Pietermaritzburg school became the School of the Year winners.
Full list of winners:
. | CATEGORY | WINNER |
1. | Innovation Award | KZN Chess |
2. | School Team of the Year Edendale | Technical High School |
3. | Administrator of the Year | Heinrich Strydom |
4. | Coach of the Year | Mduduzi Khumalo |
5. | Sports Journalist of the Year | Samukelo Gambushe |
6. | Photographer of the Year | Steve Haag |
7. | Indigenous Games Team of the Year | Umlabalaba |
8. | Recreation Body of the Year | Made For More |
9. | Junior Sportswoman of the Year | Saskia Hockly |
10. | Junior Sportsman of the Year | Jack Spence |
11. | Technical Official of the Year | Nonjabulo Ndlela |
12. | Team of the Year | Richards Bay FC |
13. | Federation of the Year | KZN Cricket |
14. | Newcomer of the Year | Jaden Hendrikse |
15. | Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability | Alani Ferreira |
16. | Sportsman of the Year with a Disability | Alwande Sikhosana |
17. | Sportswoman of the Year | Phiwokuhle Mnguni |
18. | Sportsman of the Year | Greg Minnaar |
19. | Sports Personality of the Year | Phiwokuhle Mnguni |
MEC Special Award | ||
20. | Posthumous Award |
Thulani Magudulela Makhosi Luthuli |
21. | Black Blazer |
Nonkululeko Mlaba Nondumiso Shangase |
22. | Lifetime Achievement | Moruti Mthalane |