UJ’s student athletes recognised at annual UJ Sport Awards
Student athletes took centre stage at the UJ Sports Awards for their remarkable achievements in academics and sports throughout the year.
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) recently held its annual UJ Sport Awards, showcasing the remarkable achievements of its student-athletes.
The event highlighted a strong influx of new talent, with several first-time nominees making a significant impact.
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Emerging athletics star Lythe Pillay was honoured as the 2024 UJ Sportsman of the Year. Pillay’s exceptional performance this year included winning a gold medal in the 400m race at the national athletics championship in Pietermaritzburg, and securing a silver medal as part of team South Africa’s men’s 4x400m relay team in the Bahamas.
In a parallel celebration, Caitlin Rooskrantz was named the 2024 UJ Sportswoman of the Year. Rooskrantz, a talented gymnast, had an impressive year, competing in various world events and qualifying to represent South Africa at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Notably, she served as a co-flagbearer during the Paralympics opening ceremony. This marks her second Olympic appearance, following her participation in Tokyo 2021.
Diodivine Mkhize was recognised for academic and athletic excellence, as he was crowned the Student-Athlete of the Year. Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in human resource management, Mkhize achieved outstanding academic results in his first semester, passing 4 out of 5 modules with distinction and boasting an impressive average mark of 96%. He exemplifies the balance of academic and athletic excellence.
The UJ Sport Awards not only celebrated athletic prowess but also emphasised the importance of academic achievement among student-athletes, reflecting the university’s commitment to fostering well-rounded individuals.
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The winners per category:
Sportsman of the Year:
• 1st place: Lythe Pillay (Athletics)
• 2nd place: Boikanyo Motlhamme (Athletics)
• 3rd place: Rowen Malgas (Rugby)
Sportswoman of the Year:
• 1st place: Caitlin Rooskrantz (Gymnastics)
• 2nd place: Joviale Mbisha (Athletics)
• 3rd place: Yane van der Merwe (Sports for Students with Disabilities)
Student-Athlete of the Year:
• 1st place: Diodivine Mkhize (Squash)
• 2nd place: Caitlin Rooskrantz (Gymnastics)
• 3rd place: Cornelia Mupenda (Netball)
Age-Group Sportswoman of the Year:
• 1st place: Jenna Evans (Cricket)
• 2nd place: Precious Molepo (Athletics)
• 3rd place: Emma Gomes (Rowing)
Age-Group Sportsman of the Year:
• 1st place: Likhona Finca (Rugby)
• 2nd place: Martin Khumalo (Cricket)
• 3rd place: Diodivine Mkhize (Squash)
Club Sportsperson of the Year:
• 1st place: Udeme Okon (Athletics)
• 2nd place: Shirley Nekhubui (Athletics)
• 3rd place: Cheswill Johnson (Athletics)
Team of the Year:
• Senior Women’s Netball team
Club of the Year:
• Cricket Club
Mass Participation: The Residence Sports Team of the Year:
• 1st place: Electrical
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