CELL C Sharks and Springbok try-scoring hero, Makazole Mapimpi, walked away with the coveted awards at the annual Sharks Player of the Year Awards held this evening at Sun Park, Sun Sibaya.

At a glittering event attended by players, families, sponsors, fans and the media, Cell C Sharks players in various categories and age-groups were recognised for their efforts and achievements both on and off the field during the course of the 2019 rugby season.

Makazole Mapimpi enjoyed a stellar season, showing his prowess as an attacking wing with exceptional scoring ability. He became the first Springbok player to score a try in a Rugby World Cup Final when the Springboks defeated England in the Japanese showpiece. He walked away with the three major awards of the night in that of Fan’s Player of the Year, Player’s Player of the Year as well as the most prestigious award of the night, when he was named Cell C Sharks Player of the Year 2019.

Mapimpi was also a nominee in the Vodacom Super Rugby Player of the Year category, alongside Andre Esterhuizen, Daniel du Preez and Lukhanyo Am, with Esterhuizen edging out his team-mates to win this award.

The Currie Cup Player of the Year Award went to Aphelele Fassi ahead of fellow players Kobus van Wyk, Ruben van Heerden and Sanele Nohamba while Jeremy Ward took home the Cell C Sharks XV Player of the Year.

In the juniors, Lunga Ncube was named Cell C Sharks Under 19 Player of the Year and Evan Roos Cell C Sharks Under 21 Player of the Year with Sanele Nohamba taking home the Breakthrough Player of the Year award.

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