SA RUGBY won big at the 17th South African Sports Awards held in Sun City in the North West on Sunday, 5 May, winning seven awards.
After winning the 2023 Rugby World Cup, the awards came as no surprise.
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi walked away with the People's Choice Award that was voted for by South African sports fans.
Kolisi has been recognised for his invaluable contribution to the Springbok team and was named Sport Star of the Year.
Jacques Nienaber, Coach of the Year, Manie Libbok, was named the Newcomer of the Year, and Eben Etzebeth walked away with Sportsman of the Year.
The Springbok's Manie Libbok encouraged young people to believe in themselves.
"Dreams are achievable, and nothing is impossible when you put in the hard work and keep pushing," he said.
He said he was honoured to receive the award and thanked everyone who supported his journey.
The Springboks were named Team of the Year, and SA Rugby president Mark Alexander, Administrator of the Year.
Other winners included Kirsten Neuschäfer, named Sports Woman of the Year, and Simone Kruger and Mpumelelo Mhlongo, named Women's and Men's with Disabilities.
Volunteer of the Year went to Rebecca Ntsanwisi (Vakhegula Vakhegula).
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Diketo Gauteng scooped the Indigenous Games Team of the Year, and the South African Rugby Union was named Federation of the Year.
Recreation Body of the Year went to Amandla Social Enterprises in the Western Cape.
Samuel Shivambu was awarded the Sport Photo of Visual Journalist of the Year, and Khanyiso Tshwaku took the Sports Journalist of the Year photo.
While the School team of the Year went Hoër Landbouskool Oakdale for Tug of War 560kg junior men's team.
Hlabi Secondary School scooped the Developing School Team of the Year for Netball U-19 team. Technical Official of the Year went to Sean Rapaport (South African Hockey Association)
This Year's awards were themed "Celebrating 30 years of freedom through sporting excellence".
Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture Zizi Kodwa congratulated all the winners.
Kodwa said sports have played a huge role in bringing people together.
"Our athletes and sports teams have made us all so proud with their performances," he said.
He also encouraged aspiring young sportspeople not to give up on their dreams.
"Our winners have proven that no matter where you come from, achieving your dreams is possible. They have made it despite coming from rural areas," he said.
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