Springboks Dominate Nominations at 2024 South African Sports Awards

The Rugby World Cup-winning Springboks have dominated the nominations for the 17th edition of the South African Sports Awards, set to take place on May 5, 2024, at the Sun City Superbowl in North-West. The awards, themed 'Celebrating 30 years of freedom through sporting excellence', recognize the significant achievements of South African athletes and teams over the past year.

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi leads the nominations, being nominated for Sports Star of the Year and People's Choice Sport Star of the Year. Lock Eben Etzebeth is also up for Sportsman of the Year, while the Springboks as a team are nominated for Team of the Year. Former coach Jacques Nienaber, who led the team to World Cup victory in 2022, is nominated for Coach of the Year.

Other notable rugby nominees include Manie Libbok for Newcomer of the Year, Aimee Barrett-Theron for Technical Officer of the Year, and SA Rugby for Sports Federation of the Year. SA Rugby president Mark Alexander is also nominated for Sports Administrator of the Year.

The nominations are a testament to the hard work and success of the Springboks and South African rugby in general. SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer congratulated all the nominees and expressed pride in the recognition of the contributions of the players, coaches, administrators, and staff involved.

Why this matters: The dominance of rugby nominations at the South African Sports Awards reflects the continued success and popularity of the sport in the country. It also highlights the role of sport in uniting the diverse people of South Africa and celebrating the nation's achievements in the 30 years since the end of apartheid.

Sports Minister Zizi Kodwa announced the nominees across 19 categories and praised the success of South African athletes and teams. "Our sportsmen and women have raised the nation's flag sky high and have united the country's diverse people," Kodwa said. The SABC will be the host broadcaster for the awards ceremony on May 5.

Key Takeaways

• Springboks dominate 2024 SA Sports Awards nominations
• Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, Jacques Nienaber among nominees
• Other rugby nominees include Manie Libbok, Aimee Barrett-Theron
• SA Rugby nominated for Sports Federation of the Year
• Awards celebrate 30 years of freedom through sporting excellence