Nineteen-year-old Nkanyezi Ndawo from Selcourt was named this year’s Springs Boys High School’s sportsman of the year at the prize-giving on November 7, where he took home seven trophies and eight certificates.

Ndawo told the Springs Advertiser that receiving the Victor Ludorum award means a lot to him. Ndawo competed as a sprinter in the 100m and a hurdler in the 110m.

He said that his performance was a true testament to the hard work and dedication he has for athletics overall.

He shared that he was amazed by the achievement, as it had been his goal since Grade Eight. Ndawo, who is a matriculant, said that the awards show that he was able to navigate through student life, but also highlight that with hard work, success is inevitable when a person truly commits themselves.

“I developed a weekly schedule which highlighted the tasks that needed to be done at specific times; this schedule overall accommodates my training programme, with the expectations of completion of tasks. This helped me to stay consistent in both sports and schoolwork and exams,” said the athlete.

He shared that injuries were some of the setbacks that he faced this year. He said that as a great athlete, he is always finding effective ways to recover in short periods of time, which he implemented to ensure that he had a consistent season in suitable conditions.

With all the challenges he faced, Ndawo said that his brother, Bonga Ndawo, has always been an encouragement and pillar of strength for him and has motivated him.

He shared that he draws inspiration from his brother, as he was also a sprinter during his high school days and grew up with the idea, “I want to be just like my brother.”

“With him graduating in Accounting gave me further academic encouragement, and I will forever look up to him,” said the young star.

He also said that his family’s unwavering support in maintaining his needs as each individual contributed immensely. Ndawo added that for him to uphold a season filled with improvements and fantasy performance, the family’s support forced him to strive for excellence.

The 19-year-old shared that his best moment during the past season was when he obtained his personal bests at the super inter high school competition in Pretoria and got first place for his individual events and second in the school relay.

He said that his performance was a clear indication of the potential he has to be a national athlete. When asked about his plans for life after high school, Ndawo said that he wants to further his studies, ensuring that he achieves academically and athletically by taking full advantage of facilities from the territory institutions.

He added that he will be an essential graduate from university while building a superb athletics career, competing in international competitions. The athlete advised his fellow athletes of the importance of setting SMART goals.

“The goals you set will lead to something you are passionate about, ensuring that you work hard to achieve these goals for ultimate success.”

Categories won by Ndawo:
• Senior athlete of the year

• Victor Ludorum senior athletics

• The learner for best achievements in one sport

• The sportsman of the year

• The senior relay team of the season

• Best sprinter of the season

• Best hurdler of the season

ALSO CHECK: WATCH: Strubenvale innovator creates inclusive tactile puzzle for all children

ALSO CHECK: Vita Nova receives major clothing donation and R50k from Creative Education Centre