AMID the growing anticipation for the Gauteng Sports Awards, the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation announced finalists of the 12th edition of the awards on Thursday, 28 September, at Chief Mogale Hall in Kagiso.
A total of 20 categories are up for grabs, including the Sports Personality of the Year, which will see the winner driving off in a brand new car.
The Gauteng Sports Awards, hosted annually, recognise, honour and reward Gauteng's best sporting talent, paying tribute to individuals and teams who have excelled on and off the field.
This year's awards considered the period from 1 August 2022 to 31 July 2023.
During the finalist’s announcement, in her keynote address, MEC Morakane Mosupyoe said the event is a celebration of talent, dedication and excellence within the world of sports in the province.
“Each nominee embodies the spirit of resilience discipline because that is very important. They also embody the passion that defines our sporting community. They have not excelled in their respective fields but have also become role models inspiring others to achieve their dreams,” said MEC Mosupyoe.
She said that behind every achievement lies countless hours of training, sacrifice and commitment to be the best.
ALSO READ: Diepsloot leaders back in court
Buhle Bhidla, a blind cricket player, said he was nominated for Disabled Sportsman of the Year, and this came as a shock, though he was expecting it because he has been working hard.
"Last time I missed it, but this time we managed to get it, I am so excited,” he said.
Asandsa Isaac Bidla, nominated as Sports Administrator of the Year, told Daily Sun this is his second nomination as a sports administrator and hopes to walk out victorious.
"In 2021, I won this category, and I’m hoping it will be the same even this year,” said Isaac.
Vuyo Sirayi, representing the Central Gauteng Blind Cricket team, is nominated for the Team of the Year category.
He believes they deserve the nominee since they've won their recent tournaments.
