The North-West University (NWU) reaffirmed its status as one of the leading sports universities in South Africa after securing six of the top honours at the 10th North West Sports Awards event, with its football, athletics and road running programmes all recognised during the ceremony held at the Sun City Superbowl on Saturday.

The biggest success for the university came through the NWU Soccer Institute, which was named Team of the Year following its promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship. Head coach Nkululeko Malgas received the Coach of the Year award, while team captain Aphelele Sibisi was crowned Sport Star of the Year after a public vote.

On the athletics track, Commonwealth Games representative Liezel Gouws claimed the Sportswoman of the Year with a Disability award. Sprinter Bradley Nkoana completed a memorable evening by winning both the Sportsman of the Year and Young Athlete of the Year awards.

Adding to the achievements of the university, NWU staff member and three-time Comrades Marathon champion Tete Dijana received the MEC's Special Excellence Award in recognition of his contribution to sport and his achievements in ultramarathon running.

NWU executive director for Corporate Relations, Marketing and Sport, Mr Clement Manoko, said the awards reflected the commitment of the university to developing excellence on and off the field.

"These awards demonstrate the strength of the sports programme at the NWU and the dedication of our athletes, coaches and support staff. We are proud to see our student-athletes and staff being recognised at provincial level. Their achievements reflect the commitment of the university to creating an environment in which talent is developed and excellence is pursued."

The six awards capped a memorable evening for the NWU and reflected the growing influence of the university across football, athletics and distance running at provincial and national level.

 

Liezel Gouws

Nkululeko Malgas and Aphelele Sibisi

Bradley Nkoana

Tete Dijana