Wesley Botton

By Wesley Botton

Chief sports journalist


Luvo and Caster shine as Wayde is overshadowed for once

The dynamic duo cleaned up at the SA Sports Awards on Sunday.


Track and field world champions Luvo Manyonga and Caster Semenya cleaned up at the SA Sports Awards in Kempton Park on Sunday night, while sprint sensation Wayde van Niekerk was left empty handed.

Long jumper Manyonga was named Sports Star of the Year and Sportsman of the Year, and middle-distance runner Semenya received the Sportswoman of the Year and People’s Choice accolades.

Van Niekerk, the only South African in line for IAAF World Athlete of the Year, did not receive a single accolade despite defending his 400m world title and breaking the 300m world best this season.

Meanwhile, visually impaired athlete Ilse Hayes was honoured for the third year in succession as the Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability and fellow speedster Dyan Buis received the Sportsman of the Year with a Disability award.

Semenya’s coach, Jean Verster, was revealed as Coach of the Year and the Springbok Sevens squad were recognised as Team of the Year.

Full list of winners:

Sports Star of the Year – Luvo Manyonga (athletics)

People’s Choice Award – Caster Semenya (athletics)

Sportsman of the Year – Luvo Manyonga (athletics)

Sportswoman of the Year – Caster Semenya (athletics)

Sportsman of the Year with a Disability – Dyan Buis (athletics)

Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability – Ilse Hayes (athletics)

Newcomer of the Year – Sokwakhana Zazini (athletics)

Team of the Year – Springbok Sevens (rugby)

Coach of the Year – Jean Verster (athletics)

National Federation of the Year – Lifesaving South Africa

Sports Administrator of the Year – Sanelisiwe Kuzwayo (cricket)

School Team of the Year – St Marys School Waverley (rowing)

Developing School Team of the Year – Hlangabeza Primary School (U-13 chess)

Indigenous Games Team of the Year – North West kho-kho team

Recreation Body of the Year – In-Touch Community Support Group (hockey)

Volunteer of the Year – Samuel Maduwa (Special Olympics)

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