WATCH: Alberton Rugby Club celebrates 2026 season at annual awards ceremony
Players, coaches, team managers and club members were recognised for their performances, leadership and contributions on and off the field as the club looked ahead to 2027.
Alberton Rugby Club brought its 2026 season to a memorable close by celebrating the players, coaches, team managers and club members who contributed to the club’s achievements during its annual awards ceremony on November 1.
Held at Alberton Rugby Club, the awards afternoon recognised individual performances, teamwork, leadership and commitment across the club’s teams, from the U19 and U21 sides to the senior teams.
The ceremony provided an opportunity to acknowledge those who had worked hard on and off the field, with a range of team, special club and executive awards presented.
The president of Alberton Rugby Club, Manie Reyneke, described the occasion as a great event and said it was an honour to recognise the people behind the club’s efforts.
“We have been playing in one of the top leagues in the country, and it is an honour for us to honour our players, team managers and coaches in the way that we have done today,” he said.
The club’s director, Shane Kirkwood, also reflected positively on the season, describing 2026 as a great year for Alberton Rugby Club. He highlighted several special awards presented to players who had stood out on the field and thanked every player for their contribution.
“To each player at Alberton Rugby Club, thank you for your contribution towards the club,” he said.
Kirkwood added that the club was looking forward to 2027, believing it was heading in the right direction.
Standout performances recognised
The Grand Challenge League players’ awards celebrated standout performances across the club’s teams. In the U19 team, Claude Do Couto received Back Line Player of the Year, while Tiaan van Huyssteen took Forward Player of the Year.
For the U21 team, Danny Gouws was named Back Line Player of the Year, with Keanu Viljoen receiving the forward award.
The third team recognised Allan Roberts as its Back Line Player of the Year, while Neo Modise and Mokete Mbele shared the Forward Player of the Year award. In the second team, Renier Wuessener received the back-line accolade, while Lesley Abrahams was named Forward Player of the Year.
The first team also celebrated several individual achievements. Spice Lemotlo received Back Line Player of the Year, while Dawie Daffue was named Forward Player of the Year.
Other first-team awards went to Juandre Kleynhans (Top Try Scorer), Khaya Mphuthi (Most Loyal Player), Etienne Taljaard (Most Reliable Player), Bjorn Pieterse (Most Improved Player) and Brandon Schafer and Clayton Gagiano, who shared Team Man of the Year.
Off-field commitment acknowledged
The club also acknowledged individuals whose contributions extended beyond their performances on the field. Amanda Williams, Willem Willemse, Richard Schwulst, Daniel Matthee, Johan Reynders and Michael Kasselman received Most Exemplary Members of the Year awards.
Thylor Paulsen and Tamzin Valentine were recognised with IPT Representative Awards.
The special player awards saw Nqabayeth Nkosi named Most Promising Junior Player, while Shaun Botha received Most Promising Senior Player.
Rynier Welgemoed was named Most Valuable Junior Player, with Juliun Steenkamp receiving the senior equivalent.
Jonathan Morkel was recognised as Junior Player of the Year for the U21 and U19 categories, while Steenkamp also claimed Senior Player of the Year.
Leadership drives success
The executive awards recognised the people and teams who helped drive the club forward. GauTruss’s Helene Stephen received Sponsor of the Year, while Bernice Botha was named Manager of the Year.
Outstanding Leadership awards went to Manie Reyneke and Derek Harwood, while Gert Swanepoel and Deevan du Plessis shared Coach of the Year. The U21 team was named Team of the Year.
Keanu Viljoen received Junior Player’s Player of the Year, while Juliun Steenkamp took home Senior Player’s Player of the Year.
The afternoon served as a fitting opportunity for Alberton Rugby Club to celebrate the people behind its 2026 season and acknowledge the dedication that continued to strengthen the club.
With the celebrations behind them, the club turned its attention towards 2027, carrying forward the contributions and achievements recognised during the awards ceremony.
