IN PHOTOS: Wian van Niekerk bags seven awards for Pumas 2025 season
Centre Wian van Niekerk was the Pumas player of the year.
Airlink Pumas centre, Wian van Niekerk, is the 2025 player of the year. He won the use of a Ford Territory for a year, sponsored by Daly Ford Potchefstroom.The black-tie 2025 Airlink Pumas awards function was held at the Emnotweni Arena on Friday night, December 5.
The player of the year trophy was just one of seven awards Van Niekerk won on the night. He also won SA Cup backline player of the year, SA Cup player of the year, best try of the year, Currie Cup backline player of the year, Currie Cup player of the year, and Currie Cup players’ player of the year.
While Van Niekerk was not the flashiest player in the 2025 Pumas team – he only scored two Currie Cup tries – he was the hard grafter who read the game well and played for the good of the Pumas, always giving 100%.
Pumas team manager Samuel Sikiwe provided Lowvelder with Van Niekerk’s Currie Cup stats.
He played 517 minutes in seven matches, scoring two tries. Van Niekerk made 68 ball carries, 499 carry metres, three line breaks, 22 tackle breaks, 64 passes, two turnovers, 69 successful tackles and four breakdown steals in these games.
The multiple-award winner remains humble on and off the field. “It is a massive privilege for me. We live in a high-performance world, so to be called the player of the year truly means a lot. It’s a reward for the hard work, discipline and sacrifices made throughout the season, but it also reflects the support of my teammates, coaches and everyone behind the scenes. We have a group of exceptional high-quality players, so receiving recognition for hard work is incredibly special,” said Van Niekerk.
“Wearing this jersey means representing Mpumalanga with pride, playing with heart in every match and giving everything for the community that stands behind us. This recognition motivates me to keep growing, keep pushing and to continue making our supporters proud.”
The centre could not have done it alone. “I’d attribute my success in 2025 to a combination of consistency, hard work and the people around me. Our coaches pushed me to grow, my teammates made my job easier and the environment we have keeps you accountable every day. I also focused on my preparation, staying disciplined, staying fit and improving the small details in my game.
“There are many things that contribute to a good season. Having great teammates who motivate you and push you to work harder is a huge part of it. But the motivations off the field matter just as much – my wife, family and close friends. I truly believe in the saying, ‘Show me your friends and I will show you who you are’. I’m fortunate to have people around me who keep me grounded and driven.”
He is grateful towards those who contributed to his success.
“I would like to sincerely thank coach Jimmy Stonehouse and the entire Pumas family for this massive honour. These accolades mean more to me than words can express. To my family, you are my greatest support system, thank you for always believing in me. To my wife, Emma, you are my rock; your motivation and sacrifices drive me every day, and I am so grateful.
“Most importantly, I thank God. I play this game for Him and am deeply grateful for the talent He has given me – more than I could ever deserve. I praise Him for that,” Van Niekerk concluded.
The awards evening started out with the Pumas’ various sponsors receiving trophies of appreciation.
Once the formalities were concluded the players, their partners and other guests celebrated late into the night.
Other award winners were:
• Best ambassador: Ignatius Ferreira
• Prospect of the year: Sampie Swiegers
• SupaRugby trophy: Clinton Swart
• SA Cup forward of the year: Ruwald van der Merwe
• 50 matches: Wian van Niekerk, Ruwald van der Merwe, André Fouché, Etienne Janeke and Eduan Swart
• Most tries: Ross Braude
• Most points: Danrich Visagie
• Most improved backline player: Danrich Visagie
• Most improved forward player: JJ Scheepers and Hanno Theunissen
• Most loyal player: Miyelani Ngobeni
• Biggest hit: Hanno Theunissen
• Currie Cup forward player of the year: Sampie Swiegers
> Photos: Mark Kinnear
> Photos: Kaptured Concepts
